September 1, 2003 -- Sure, the US doesn't have the bullet trains of Japan or the frequent intercity train service of Germany. In fact, the Bush administration's plan to shut down Amtrak could spell the death of transcontinental rail service. But for travelers who won't or can't drive, there's actually quite a lot of short-distance public transportation in the US -- from the frequent and efficient New York subway to St. Louis's convenient airport train.
In previous columns we've introduced you to the vast but bewildering Bus Station (www.busstation.net), with its thousands of links to bus-related sites worldwide, and to the Transportation Directory (www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/5355), run as a labor of love by a New York transit expert.
The most official word on US transit, though, comes from APTA, the American Public Transit Association. Their APTANet site (www.apta.com/links/state_local) has a terrific set of links organized by state and city, covering even the tiniest towns and most obscure ancillary and private transit systems.
Within New York City, for instance, everyone knows about the MTA (www.mta.info). But APTANet also delivers links for the private bus companies that run lines in the borough of Queens and for the Roosevelt Island Tramway, a privately-run aerial tram system that can give tourists a unique view of Manhattan from a little metal box dangling by a wire high over the East River.
In transit-hostile Houston, () APTA lists not only the local Metro transit agency, but also a private trolley service that can shuttle tourists around the popular Uptown area without the need for a car.
Don't Have a Bus? Get One!
APTANet doesn't just serve people who already have transportation at their disposal. The site is also a clearinghouse for transit advocates, offering dozens of ways for people to get involved in bringing better transportation to their cities.
For instance, if you think the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania region really needs commuter rail, APTANet can hook you up with the Modern Transit Partnership, a local nonprofit sharing your views. Think Detroit's public transit system is hideous? Hook up with Transportation Riders United (www.detroittransit.com) through APTA's link. Want to agitate for better transit in Austin, Texas? Take your pick from at least four different advocacy organizations.
With the Bush administration making public transit a low priority, and states buckling under huge budget deficits, it's time to speak up for the public services you value. If mass transit is one of them, APTANet can help you.
Advocacy links are shown under "Other Sites" in APTA's state and city listings.
Do you have a comment about this article or a tip or story about bus travel? We'd love to hear from you on our Message Boards.