For quite some time, I have opposed of urban sprawl and believed that public transportation would be an ideal solution for many large cities. I believed this because of the reduced emissions and cost. I still think this is possible, but my experiences have shifted my positions a bit.
The subway system in Paris is crowded (very very crowded at times), dirty, uncomfortable, and difficult to access. Sometimes you stand there and feel like a giant sardine. I heard stories of men groping women (supposedly, the elbow is the most effective weapon to combat this occurance). I also saw people using the walls as a latrine. In the winter, the lines are cold. In the summer they are hot. And did I mention that they’re crowded?
But, the subway effectively takes you all across Paris. But it takes much time.
Some people say that the subway is better because you can do other things on the trains. But on all the trains I traveled on, I only saw a handful of people reading a paper or a book. And during rush hour, there would be no way for you to pull out a paper and read. It was just too crowded.
And all this to say: Americans,be thankful for your cars. They are more comfortable, less crowded and more convenient than any public transportation system will ever be.
The subway isn’t all bad, mind you. It just makes me thankful for the convenience and comfort we have in our cars.