Geography of Urban Transportation

In the podcast episode, we interview authors Genevieve Giuliano and Susan Hanson on their book The Geography of Urban Transportation. This episode traces the historical evolution of urban form as it was shaped by transportation technology. It explains how ancient cities were built around walking, while the introduction of technologies like streetcars, railways, and—most significantly—the automobile completely reshaped our modern metropolises. This shift created the sprawling, car-dependent suburbs we know today, but it also introduced a host of new problems.

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The Geography of Urban Transportation goes beyond the basics to tackle pressing policy issues. It explores the intricate connections between transportation and a wide range of topics, including:

• Social Equity: Who benefits from new infrastructure, and who gets left behind? The book examines how transportation decisions can reinforce or alleviate social and economic inequalities.

• Environmental Justice: It highlights the environmental toll of our transportation choices, from air pollution to the effects of climate change, and discusses how policy can be used to create more sustainable systems.

• Land Use and Urban Planning: The authors argue that transportation is not just a means of moving people, but a powerful tool for shaping how we use land, where we live, and how our communities function.

The core message of this book is that our urban landscape is not an accident; it's the result of conscious policy choices. By understanding this, we can become more effective advocates for change. The book is an essential read for anyone interested in creating more walkable, equitable, and sustainable cities.

Whether you're a student, a policymaker, or a concerned citizen, this book offers the foundational knowledge needed to engage with and improve the transportation systems that define our urban world.