Making Transit Fun!: How to Entice Motorists from Their Cars

by Darring Nordahl

Why do people in Stockholm prefer to take the stairs over the escalator? Why do Londoners enjoy hanging out at bus stops? How do carmakers convince us to buy gas-guzzling, environmentally damaging, and wallet-draining machines? It's called the fun theory. What Darrin Nordahl illustrates in this delightful book is that transit can be just as inviting, exciting, and even seductive as the automobile, if designed with the passenger experience in mind. In Making Transit Fun!, Nordahl shows that with the help of architects, urban designers, graphic artists, industrial engineers, marketing experts-and even fashion designers-we can lure people out of their automobiles and toward healthier, more sustainable methods of transportation. This accessible E-ssential focuses on the possibilities for making public transit, cycling, and walking more appealing to the motorist. In each section, Nordahl demonstrates how the transit stigma can be overcome with innovative design. From the aesthetics of buses to segregated bike lanes and pedestrian-priority streets, Nordahl showcases examples from around the world that excite the heart and bring an easy smile.

Genres: Nonfiction

133 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2012

Reviews

[Ksensei K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful and useful short read that explores an overlooked and refreshing idea of making transit fun and appealing in contrast to the familiar over-exhausted concept of making driving unpleasant and miserable.
The books highlights interesting and realistic strategies, uses relevant examples and positively overflows with links and references to various interventions all over the globe. An inspiring read.
Aside for the chapter on biking style and fashion, which struck me as completely disconnected from reality, the book is very practical, sensible and down to earth.

[Alm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book should be required reading for urban planners everywhere!