Jarrett Walker, a prominent public transit planning and policy consultant, spoke to city and CARTA officials Monday about the state of Chattanooga’s public transit system.
Based on an analysis from Walker’s firm, Chattanooga’s public transit is not considered useful for most people. His firm has consulted on public transit systems across the world, nation and state, including Memphis and Knoxville.
With the level of investment and current design of the system, useful public transit in Chattanooga shouldn’t be expected, said Walker, known for his 2011 book “Human Transit: How Clearer Thinking about Public Transit Can Enrich Our Communities and Our Lives.”
“It’s typical of what’s involved in a lot of similar cities, and it’s not wrong,” Walker said. “It’s just reflective of a legacy of low expectations and low investment.”
Walker said his firm doesn’t push a certain transit plan but helps decision-makers make good decisions concerning public transit.