Why American Cities Lag in Extensive Subway Networks Compared to European Cities

The lack of an extensive subway network in American cities, such as New York, is a concern often brought to the forefront of urban planning discussions. While major cities like Paris, London, and Berlin boast subway systems that crisscross their urban landscapes, American cities often have limitations. This article will explore the reasons behind this discrepancy, drawing comparisons and insights from the successes and shortcomings of these networks.

Historical Context and Limitations

One of the most significant historical hindrances to an expansive subway network in American cities is the interruption caused by World War II. During the post-war period, cities prioritized other constructions, such as housing developments, and labor unions significantly increased the cost of construction, making traditional subway building techniques impractical.

The majority of the subway systems in American cities, like New York, were built before 1940. The complexity and high costs involved in modern construction techniques, such as deep tunneling with custom-made boring machines, have made new subway extensions extraordinarily expensive. For instance, the extension of the Second Avenue subway line, covering only 3 new stations and 1.8 miles of tunnel, cost a staggering $4.45 billion. These challenges highlight the difficult and expensive nature of building new subway systems today.

Theoretical Unbuilt Plans

Before World War II, there were detailed plans to create an extensive subway network crisscrossing much of the city. These plans aimed to ensure that most residents could access the subway system within a few blocks. A book titled The Routes Not Taken provides a detailed account of many of the unbuilt subway lines and stations that were planned but never executed.

These plans were often not viable due to the high cost of construction and the lack of sufficient traffic in some areas. Many of these locations, when they were first considered for construction, did not have the necessary density of people to justify the high costs of building and maintaining the subway lines.

Manhattan Dominance and Suburbanization

A critical aspect of the subway system's limited expansion is the overwhelming focus on Manhattan, the economic and financial hub of New York City. The majority of subway lines in New York, and in many other American cities, are concentrated in Manhattan. There is a single line that connects Queens directly to Brooklyn, highlighting the urban planning challenges that exist outside of the city center.

Another key factor is the spread of American cities over a large area. Unlike the compact and relatively small European cities, American cities were designed with automobile-centric infrastructure. This has led to a highly distributed urban planning model where widespread car dependency is the norm. This leaves little incentive for residents to adopt public transportation, as they already have a convenient and door-to-door service provided by their vehicles.

The Influence of Politics and Industry

Political influence and the control of moneyed interests also played a significant role in the development (or lack thereof) of subway networks in American cities. The automotive industry, in particular, exerted considerable influence in shaping urban transportation policies.

These industries and their lobbyists were more successful in advocating for streets and roads infrastructure that supported private vehicles over public transportation. As a result, metropolitan areas in the U.S. have sprawling layouts where one needs a car even for simple errands like grocery shopping.

Despite the growing awareness and push towards sustainable urban planning, it is challenging to make significant changes to urban infrastructure. People are now deeply accustomed to the convenience and autonomy of personal vehicles. The transportation industry has created a system that accommodates individualized travel, making the transition to public transportation less enticing and more difficult.

Conclusion

The current state of subway networks in American cities primarily stems from historical, economic, and political factors. While there have been significant challenges in building new subway systems, the lack of extensive networks is not just about costs but also about the native preference for automobile-based lifestyles. In a way, the current situation reflects a deeply ingrained transport policy that has been largely shaped by the automotive industry and urban sprawl over the past century.

Understanding these factors is crucial for urban planners and policymakers to devise strategies that can gradually foster more extensive and efficient subway systems in American cities, moving towards a more sustainable and equitable urban transportation future.