Paved with Good Intentions Sarasota and the Challenge of Mass Transit in the Automotive City

Adam Lubitz

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Brain, David

Keywords

Urban Studies, Planning, Transit

Area of Concentration

Urban Studies

Abstract

How do we confront automobile dependency? Many echo this question among urban planning circles, as the overall cognizance of the negative externalities of our primary means of locomotion rise. We�ve all heard of the climate crisis and conflict over foreign oil, but how are we supposed to concern ourselves over these issues when we hear solutions could involve drastically changing our way of life? In an attempt to answer these questions, this thesis explores why the automobile has become such an integral part of everyday life in the United States, and how this means of transportation differed from before. First investigating the turn of the 20th century to the Great Depression, I draw upon secondary sources to find the reasons for this vast shift away from transit. Citing the various reasons for why this modal shift has been criticized, I explore the range of options for addressing automobile dependency and the difficulties in restoring transit-friendly environments. Using Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) as a case study, I utilize a mixed methodological approach to find which options have worked well for them, although they remain in the distinct minority of transportation modes in Sarasota County.

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