The History of Transportation ..And, the impacts on Marin County

The History of Transportation

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CULTURETECHNOLOGYi.e. TransportationValues & Norms2This class aims to critically look at our culture in relationship to transportation habits.

These are two important ways through which culture is created and evolves: (1) group's shared understanding of what is important to the group and to the group members. These become the values of the group. (2) groups shared expectations of behavior that are considered normal. These become the norms of the group. Values and norms are important aspects in the creation of cultural artifacts expressed through art, technology, fashion and so on.

Transportation is an aspect of a group culture (a small group like the school has its transportation culture. A big group like industrial countries have transportation cultures.) The kinds of transportation used within a group reflect aspects of that particular cultural environment. The relationship between culture and transportation takes place in two ways:

Values and norms affect the kind of transportation vehicles built (i.e cars, trains, boats, bikes) and the habits associated with them. Transportation vehicles affect the values and norms of a culture.

Coast Miwok Tribe3We begin our survey with the local Native American tribes that settled in this area (Marin County) for thousands of years before the white man set foot on the continent.

Miwok people: what were their main modes of transportation? (Walking, canoes & boats, animals)

How is walking effecting our sense of time? How do you experience your environment when you slow down? When you get to meet your neighbors face to face every day? How does walking / boating affect our experiences in relationship to the natural environment? Coast Miwok Tribe

4Easter Miwok people used Tule Balsa (=raft) as boats to navigate small rivers. Coastal Miwok used log rafts. When livelihood depends on fishing, survival pushes people to create better ways to go about getting the fish like creating boats and canoes.

Coast Miwok Tribe

5Horses indigenous to North America became extinct about 8,0000 to 10,000 years ago. The Spanish brought horses back to the New World and the world of Native Americans changed. How do you think the introduction of a strong animal such as a horse into a culture, changes the culture? (i.e. people can go for longer distances and can carry heavier loads between places, have more power to plow bigger areas, changed the nature of warfare )

TransportationValues & Norms WalkingContact with env. Canoes Fishing Horses Carry bigger-heavier loads The arrival of the white man ???CULTURE6We begin with walking. How does walking affect our contact with the environment? (including with people dwelling in that environment? How do you experience your environment when you walk around?

When fishing is a primary source of livelihood, how does it affect the cultural artifacts your create? (you build boats and canoes, you use water/fish themes in art, the culinary experience of the group is based on fish (you better like it)

When horses are introduces into a culture, what happens to their environment and to their experience of the environment? (life is more fast pace? Larger areas, once wild, get cultivated. People travel farther away from main transportation routes able to settle down in areas once inhabitable.

How does the arrival of the white man influence the kinds of transportations used?

Engraving by Theodor de Bry in 1599 Welcome of Francis Drake by Coast Miwok in 1579

7When explorers arrived on the California Coast via large sailing vessels it had tremendous influence on the culture. What were some of those influences?Value: The freedom to explore and expand

8Explore and expand towards the new world, a world supposedly uninhabited, uncultured - uncivilized, and ready for the white mans advanced culture.

TransportationAmerican Values: Freedom to expand andexplore the??? Landscape Scientific realm Self Values & Norms CULTUREAgrarian PeriodUp to the mid 1800s 95% of population (mostly farmers) live in rural areas. Cities are small: 4-5 miles end to endPeople walk or ride horses

Cultural influences during this time:Industrial Revolution New scientific inventionsExploring the New World10Until the 1860s most humans had not imagined long-distance transportation other than by foot or by animal. This was the agrarian period of U.S. history during which 95% of the population was rural. As a result of industrialization, by 1860 50% of the population was urban. Before 1950 when the popularization of the private automobile and the ensuing development of highways led to suburbanization, towns were made for mixed use with apartments conveniently located over stores. Walkable streets led from homes to schools, parks, bakeries, etc. Because services were near each other, horses, trolleys and bikes could meet local transportation needs while trains connected the towns. 18th-19th centuryInventions Steam engineSteam shipFlush toiletSubmarineParachuteHot air balloonBicycleAmbulanceSoft drinkBatteryTin canSteam locomotiveCementPrinting pressMatchesPaperRefrigeratorCalculatorRevolverRubberStaplerTiresSewing machineSafety pinDishwasherMachine gunDynamitePlasticCameraVaccinationsRefrigeratorFaxHot dogsTraffic lights11Ask students what inventions were created during this period? In less than 100 years incredible amount of innovations emerged. Here is only a sample.What innovations on the slide directly effect transportation? Industrial Period Late 1800s to mid 1900s 50% pop. Lives in the cityHorsesTrolley carsResponse to Congestion: Elevating streetcars (Chicago)and bellow street (NY)TrainsIn 20 years US railroad system grows from 2,818 mi. of track to more than 30,000 mi. BusesIntracity and continental lines Cars1920: 3.5 million vehicles in US1994: 195.5 million vehicles in US 469.5 million in the world45,500 miles of interstate HWY authorized to be developed

Industrial revolution Massive migration to US

Movement to cities close to manufacturing jobs Population growthCities size grow

Transportation needs change

12Industrial Revolution: an economy based on manual labor was replaced by one dominated by industry and the manufacture of machinery.

A snapshot of the Transportation culture in the US:Horses were a significant mode of transportation (challenges associated with it are the deposit of manure and urine on the roads)Public Transportation used trolley cars to take people from urban to residential areas.As a solution for congestion streets were constructed above other streets (chicago) and bellow them (NY)Railroads 1840-1860: US railroad system grows from 2,818 Miles of track to more than 30,000 miles 1903 first flight of wright brothers Bus evolution In 1908 cars begin to be mass produced by the Ford Motor Company (earlier all car parts were handmade and few cars were produced at a time) (The term mass production was defined in a 1926 article in the Encyclopdia Britannica supplement that was written based on correspondence with Ford Motor Co.) As a result in 1920 there were 3.5 million cars and trucks in the US In 1956 45,500 miles of interstate highways authorized to be developed

1850 California became a state with Marin as one of the original counties.1880s and 1890s, steam-ships and ferries introduced.1896 a rail-line built to ascend Mt. Tam and extended to reach dairy farms in West Marin.

Industrial Period in MarinA county emerges13 California became a state in 1850 with Marin as one of its original counties. Steamships and ferries were introduced in the 1880s and 90s. In 1896 a rail line was built to ascend Mt. Tam and extended to reach dairy farms in West Marin. The train and ferry transportation meant that farmers could make deliveries to San Francisco and more people could come explore Marin. [Optional]: Nothing brought more world-wide attention to Mill Valley, nor has been so missed, as the railroad that climbed from the towns center up Mt. Tamalpais from 1896 to 1929. In many ways this rail line, dubbed The Crookedest Railroad in the World for its 281 curves, remains the most colorful chapter in the towns history. Official service on the railroad began in 1896. At that time the round-trip fare from Mill Valley was $1, and from San Francisco, $1.40, including the Sausalito ferry and train connections. There were two steam engines, six open, canopy-top observation cars, one half-enclosed former San Francisco cable car, and two flat-cars.The Railway, helped by glowing stories in the press, was popular from the start. From: Barry Spitz, Mill Valley: The Early Years, pp.107-119 October 1908, Ford Motor Company introduced the Model T automobile.In 19 years of production, nearly 15.5 million were sold in the United States alone.May 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to vehicular traffic.

Industrial Period in MarinArrival of the motor age14Henry Ford incorporated the Ford Motor Company in 1903, proclaiming, "I will build a car for the great multitude." In October 1908, he did so, offering the Model T for $950. In the Model T's nineteen years of production, its price dipped as low as $280. Nearly 15,500,000 were sold in the United States alone. The Model T heralds the beginning of the Motor Age.

TransportationAmerican Values: Freedom, expand andexplore : Landscape Scientific realm Self More train tracks More & bigger roads More & bigger vehicles More people on the road Longer tripsValues & NormsCULTUREThe culture of transportation in the US and by default, in California, was affected by highlighting some of the values and norms lying at the foundation of the new country: Freedom, the possibility and desire to expand and explore new landscapes and new experiences. These values combined with the technology that was created in response to the new demands, created new possibilities and new challenges. Ask students to name some of these. 15Service/Information Period Mid 1900s to the present Moving from the city to the suburbs.

1980: Typical family had 1 car2007: Typical family has 2.5 cars

Europe 2007: 45% trips by walking, biking10% Public TransportationUSA 2007:

87% trips by car 3% Public transportation

Go through the information and ask the students to respond where blank sections appear (the answer shows with the click of the mouse) - How many cars does a typical family have in 2007How many trips by car and public transportation occurs in the U.S. as compared to Europe.16The Development of Highway 101 and the Formation of Golden Gate Transit1941 initial 2 mile stretch of 4 lane highway builtToday 8 lane highway from Sausalito through NovatoCurrently Carpool lanes run along entire stretch with gap between Corte Madera and San Rafael 1969 State Legislature mandated development of public transportation system from SF through MarinToday Golden Gate Bus and Ferry system runs 24 commute bus routes and 16 ferry feeder service routes plus ferry service from Larkspur and Sausalito to San Francisco Service/Information Period in Marin

17Go through bullet points.

TransportationMore train tracks More & bigger roads More & bigger vehicles More people on the road Longer trips Know new places Better & faster communication More independent Traffic congestions, delays Safety hazards Stress and health problems Sedentary cultureValues & Norms CULTUREThis slide summarizes some of the new possibilities and challenges that have been emerging with the new modes of transportation. This list illuminates, in general terms, some of the qualities of our culture that have become acceptable as the norm, as normal. 18The Shadow Side of the Motor Age

Congestion

Delays, frustration, stress

Safety hazards

Obesity and health problems19The speed and convenience of the automobile has come with a social cost. Some of the elements of that cost include congestion, delays, safety hazards, pollution, and a decrease in health due to less walking and biking.

TransportationMore train tracks More & bigger roads More & bigger vehicles More people on the road Longer trips Get to distant places Better & faster communication More independent Traffic congestions, delays Safety hazards Stress and health problems Sedentary cultureHigher use of energySupplySupplyDemandDemandValues & Norms CULTUREThis slide emphasizes the relationship between the norms and values constructed in our culture and the production of modes of transportation as a relationship between demand and supply. The relationship goes both ways. For example, valuing speed (not in the list but definitely belongs there) will create a demand for vehicles that go faster. More fast cars on the road, on the other hand, will affect what is considered in the culture to be normal and desired which is even faster is better.

One of the underlying aspects of this dynamic (like a closed feedback loop) is the production of vehicles and habits that demand high levels of unrenewable energy.

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TransportationMore train tracks More & bigger roads More & bigger vehicles More people on the road Longer tripsHigher use of energy High use of fossil fuels Pollution Large emissions of Co2 (Global Climate Change) Bigger & toxic landfillsUse of more landRelationship with environment?Values & Norms CULTUREAsk students, how the use of higher levels of energy affect our culture? Here we look at some of the main environmental issues associated with current transportation modalities. 21True Costs of Automobile UsagePersonal CostsSocial CostsGovernmental CostsEnvironmental Costs22Now lets take a few moments to consider the hidden costs of automobile usage. Owning and operating an automobile actually have a lot more associated costs than one might think. [Refer to the appendix A True Costs of Automobile Usage and Appendix B Costs of Car Culture as desired. Explain each of the general categories of costs identified, i.e. Personal (including financial, physical health and mental health), Social, Governmental and Environmental and lead a brainstorm during which the students can suggest items for each category. Refer to the numerous costs listed on those pages and add the ones which the students overlook. In addition you may also read the bullet points under each category (in appendix B) for emphasis and specifics. The whole process can take about five minutes or be expanded accordingly if more than one class period is being devoted to this class.

Sounds of modern transportation23Students should close their eyes and listen to the different sounds of modern transportation. What comes up for them? What images surface? What key words?

A possible homework assignments would be for them to pay attention to these sounds as they go about and write a poem based on their impressions. Selected poems can be published through SR2S, MCBS and more.

The Birth of a Model Public Transit SystemLos Angeles Electric Rail System

Safe, clean, quiet, fast, frequent, on-time, and relatively cheap1,000 miles of track80 million passengers served in a single year

24In the early part of the twentieth century California had a public transit system which was the envy of the industrialized world. The jewel in the crown was the Los Angeles Electric Rail System, with the features mentioned on the slide.The Death of a Model Public Transit SystemIn 1939, a consortium of auto-related companies set up holding company in order to:Buy up trolley linesDismantle tracks / Destroy trolleysReplace with diesel-burning busesSteer people away from public transit and into private cars

25But beginning in 1922 General Motors, in league with Standard Oil (now Chevron), Mack Trucks, Firestone Tires and later Phillips Petroleum and Greyhound, set out to destroy the nations streetcar lines by systematically buying up system after system, dismantling the tracks and destroying the streetcars. By 1946 The U.S. justice department had begun an investigation that led to indictments and convictions of GM and its co-conspirators for criminal anti-trust violations in the destruction of this public resource. What was the punishment for destroying the urban transit systems across the nation, transit systems which would today cost an estimated 300 billion dollars to reproduce? Each corporation was fined the amount of $5000.

Bay Area Electric Rail Suffers Same Fate1903 Key Electric Rail System commences in East Bay1924 800 Trains a day brought passengers to ferry boats1939 Trains run across Bay Bridge1903 to 1941 Northwestern Pacific Electric Trains serve Marin County1905 to 1941 trains ran 180 miles from Oakland to Chico, the longest electric inter-urban run in the country

26In the first decades of the 1900s the San Francisco Bay Area was similarly blessed with exemplary electric rail systems, with the features mentioned on the slide [read]. The Bay Area systems were also targeted by the same auto and oil industry corporations and eventually suffered the same fate as the electric rail systems in Los Angeles and other urban areas across the country.Robber Barons

Late 1800s it was the railroads that were considered the powerbrokersHuge kickbacks and political influenceGovernment Land GrantsLabor intimidation and use of immigrant laborRise of CorporationsEconomic collapse There are tremendous parallels between our modern day economic and political climate and that of the late 1800s. At the time the Railroad companies were the political power brokers and were derided by the public as Robber Barons. The transcontinental railroads of the nineteenth century were the first corporate behemoths. Their attempts to generate profits from proliferating debt sparked devastating panics in the U.S. economy. Their dependence on public largess drew them into the corridors of power, initiating new forms of corruption. They sent in thugs to break up labor disputes and intimidated ranchers to acquire land. Ask students the parallels between the political and economic influence of the Railroads and the current influence of the Oil and Automobile industries. Discuss how the major transportation mode of the day shapes the culture.27Rise and Demise of Electric CarsLate 1980s California passes tough emission standards with mandate to produce some zero-emission cars.GM complies but leases rather than sells electric vehicles.When leases expire, GM refuses to renew them.GM sues California over emission standards and vehicle mandates.GM destroys all their electric vehicles.

28The new feature length film, Who Killed the Electric Car, (2006) documents a similar pattern with regard to the rise and demise of the electric car. [Go over above bullet points.] Lets check back in with Robin and Mike and see how their trip to San Francisco is going.

Europeans make 40 50% of all trips by walking or bikingUS Americans make 87% of all trips by private carPercentage of commuters biking to work:Japan 15%Netherlands 50%China 77% USA 1.6% Some International Comparisons29It is generally accepted that the United States has the worst public transit in the industrialized world and the most freeways [ref. Taken for a Ride (1996)], and the least amenities for walking and biking. Lets look at some comparisons, this will expand on an earlier slide. Europeans make 40-50% of all trips by walking or biking. What percentage of all trips do you suppose US Americans make by private car? [Have students guess the answer. Ask a few to share their guess. Click slide advance button and answer will appear.] Answer 87%. [Read the students the percentages of commuters who bike to work in the three countries listed on the slide and ask them to guess what the corresponding percentage is in the U.S.A. After hearing a few of their answers, click slide advance button and answer will appear.] Answer 1.6% (thats not 16% but 1.6%)!

Good ModelsBike ParkingYellow (loaner) bike programsBicycle friendly streets for all sorts of biking

30Europeans provide some good model programs in many of their cities, like massive bike parking facilities, free public loaner bikes and amenities for all sorts of bicycles.Car Free Zones

31Here in the U.S.A. some cities are starting to provide good models themselves. Portland, Oregon for example has a car free zone downtown with both free public transport within the car free zone and good bicycle and pedestrian opportunities. San Francisco closes off a section of Golden Gate Park every Sunday, prohibiting motorized vehicles on those particular roads.Multi-Modal

32 According to the Revised Public Review Draft of the Marin County Plan (August 2005), the transportation vision calls for an integrated multi-model system that relies on travel by bus, rail, ferry, bicycle and foot to supplement and supplant automobile use. Multi-Modal is the wave of the future, combining different modes of transport such as bike and bus, bike and ferry, and even bike and kayak.Measure ANovember 2004, Marin residents approved Measure A, a landmark sales tax measure dedicating funds for local transportation projects.

Measure A provides for:

Expanded bus service Highway 101 HOV (carpool) lane completionRoadway improvements (for cars, bikes and pedestrians)Safer routes to schools33 In November 2004 Marin County residents overwhelmingly approved a landmark sales tax measure which will generate approximately $331 million over the next 20 years for local transportation projects such as expanding bus service, completing the Highway 101 HOV (carpool) lane, and providing roadway improvements and safer routes to schools. Specifically:1) 55% of the revenue will go to develop a seamless local bus system that serves community needs including special services for seniors and those with disabilities.2) 7.5% will go to fully fund and accelerate completion of the Highway 101 HOV Lane Gap Closure Project through San Rafael.3) 26.5% will be devoted to improve, maintain and manage Marins local transportation infrastructure, including roads, bikeways, pathways and sidewalks.4) 11% is earmarked to reduce school-related congestion and improve safe access to schools.

Marin in the 21st centuryMay 2001 County Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan adoptedTen cities have adopted Bicycle Plans or Bicycle/Pedestrian plans$40 Million in grants have come to Marin since adoption of these plans

34The County of Marin's Bike/Ped Master Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in May2001.10 communities have adopted plans -- The County and all cities and townsexcept for Belvedere. Not all are bike AND ped plans.- $40 million from grants and Regional Measure 2 and Measure A have been brought funding into the county since the adoption of these plans. Many of our cities in Marin County now have Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees that work to make changes in existing roadways and put forth plans that will include accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists in new roadway projects and repairs. More on that later.

Marin Granted $25 Million As Model Bike and Pedestrian Community2005 Marin was selected as one of 4 US communities to serve as a model Non-Motorized Transportation Program to demonstrate that investment in safe, integrated and complete bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will result in reducing congestion and pollution, improving mobility and the environment and enhancing the health and livability of communities.

35[Read slide, plus the following]. Photo on Slide: The Cal Park Hill Tunnel is an old railroad tunnel which connects San Rafael with the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. This key link, which has been desired for 27 years, shortens the bike commute from San Rafael to the Ferry from 20 minutes to only 5 minutes. It also makes the route much safer.

Marin Countys Bicycle and Pedestrian Master PlanSystem of flat North-South and East-West separated bike paths Details for safer routes to schoolsAdequate bicycle parkingEducational programsSwift street connections in and between Marins 11 towns

36 The Marin County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan proposes a system of North-South and East-West separated paths that follow the railroad right of ways. The plan also details safe routes to schools, good bicycle parking, educational programs, and swift connections on the streets within each of Marin's 11 towns. The North-South Greenway will run alongside Highway 101, along the rail corridor, going through tunnels and over bridges. The route will make Marin County virtually flat and it will pass by seven transit hubs, two ferry terminals, numerous large employers and shopping centers, and within two miles of 51 schools. Many of these important connecting pathways have already been built such as the Lincoln Pathway parallel to Highway 101 and Lincoln Ave.

The Art of Biking in Marin

37 The Marin County Plan states, Improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure helps the environment, the local economy, social equity and interactions, and personal health. Pictured here are an elementary school bike club outing [click], some bike enthusiasts advocating for re-opening the tunnels [click], a high school bike sculpture project [click] and a family of four on a single multi-tandem bike w/trailer [click].

New values & norms?New modes Of Transportation?38[Allow time for students to read this cartoon.]