Benjamin Schneider
@benschneider.bsky.social
Journalist covering housing, transit and rail. Writing in CityLab, Fast Company and on Substack.
"The Unfinished Metropolis" out now: https://shorturl.at/PInVb
"The Unfinished Metropolis" out now: https://shorturl.at/PInVb
Pinned
The Unfinished Metropolis: Igniting the City-Building Revolution
www.amazon.com
American cities have stagnated. Residential neighborhoods, transportation systems, and commercial districts have changed little in 50+ years.
My new book, "The Unfinished Metropolis," explores how that happened — and how to fix it.
Preorder now: shorturl.at/PInVb
My new book, "The Unfinished Metropolis," explores how that happened — and how to fix it.
Preorder now: shorturl.at/PInVb
The freeway revolt of the 60s and 70s was a noble movement that didn't go nearly far enough. But what's undeniably clear is that the few neighborhoods spared from the freeway builders ended up far better off.
Read my latest book excerpt in @nyc.streetsblog.org:
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/11/06/b...
Read my latest book excerpt in @nyc.streetsblog.org:
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/11/06/b...
Book Excerpt Special: The Incomplete Freeway Revolt - Streetsblog New York City
A new book looks at the destructive 20th-century urban development style — freeways, downtown office towers, suburban housing developments — that keeps Americans so dependent on their cars. Here's an ...
nyc.streetsblog.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The freeway revolt of the 60s and 70s was a noble movement that didn't go nearly far enough. But what's undeniably clear is that the few neighborhoods spared from the freeway builders ended up far better off.
Read my latest book excerpt in @nyc.streetsblog.org:
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/11/06/b...
Read my latest book excerpt in @nyc.streetsblog.org:
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/11/06/b...
Great layouts! Look at all of those exposures and bedrooms
For decades, a prime but isolated corner parking lot at 4th & Broadway in Denver's Baker neighborhood was too small for traditional development.
Thanks to Denver's forthcoming single-stair code updates, KGA Architects is proposing a 5-story single-stair apt on this "forgotten lot"
Thanks to Denver's forthcoming single-stair code updates, KGA Architects is proposing a 5-story single-stair apt on this "forgotten lot"
November 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Great layouts! Look at all of those exposures and bedrooms
With the passage of the housing ballot initiatives, Mamdani won a second victory—one he didn’t even campaign for.
These laws will make at least some of his housing policy goals meaningfully easier to achieve.
www.fastcompany.com/91436060/zoh...
These laws will make at least some of his housing policy goals meaningfully easier to achieve.
www.fastcompany.com/91436060/zoh...
Zohran Mamdani actually won two elections
New York City’s newly elected mayor just won a fighting chance to enact his ambitious housing agenda.
www.fastcompany.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:21 PM
With the passage of the housing ballot initiatives, Mamdani won a second victory—one he didn’t even campaign for.
These laws will make at least some of his housing policy goals meaningfully easier to achieve.
www.fastcompany.com/91436060/zoh...
These laws will make at least some of his housing policy goals meaningfully easier to achieve.
www.fastcompany.com/91436060/zoh...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
This is a great piece on efforts to envision a truly transformational regional rail system for So Cal. Looks at all these publicly-owned tracks! We should have have 15 minute peak service running under overhead wires powered by 100% renewable energy.
November 6, 2025 at 12:03 AM
This is a great piece on efforts to envision a truly transformational regional rail system for So Cal. Looks at all these publicly-owned tracks! We should have have 15 minute peak service running under overhead wires powered by 100% renewable energy.
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
Recent subway ridership records:
Busiest post-COVID day, Wednesday, 10/29: 4,589,477
Busiest post-COVID Friday, 10/31: 4,428,750
Busiest post-COVID Sunday, 11/2: 2,825,658
2nd busiest post-COVD Saturday, 11/1: 3,093,309
This is how people get around NYC.
Busiest post-COVID day, Wednesday, 10/29: 4,589,477
Busiest post-COVID Friday, 10/31: 4,428,750
Busiest post-COVID Sunday, 11/2: 2,825,658
2nd busiest post-COVD Saturday, 11/1: 3,093,309
This is how people get around NYC.
November 4, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Recent subway ridership records:
Busiest post-COVID day, Wednesday, 10/29: 4,589,477
Busiest post-COVID Friday, 10/31: 4,428,750
Busiest post-COVID Sunday, 11/2: 2,825,658
2nd busiest post-COVD Saturday, 11/1: 3,093,309
This is how people get around NYC.
Busiest post-COVID day, Wednesday, 10/29: 4,589,477
Busiest post-COVID Friday, 10/31: 4,428,750
Busiest post-COVID Sunday, 11/2: 2,825,658
2nd busiest post-COVD Saturday, 11/1: 3,093,309
This is how people get around NYC.
Momentum is gaining momentum. The railroad infrastructure framework developed by @ndhapple.bsky.social has gone bicoastal.
A new report from @calelectricrail.org shows how level boarding and electrified trains would transform transportation in SoCal.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/how-southe...
A new report from @calelectricrail.org shows how level boarding and electrified trains would transform transportation in SoCal.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/how-southe...
How Southern California would benefit from electric trains
Electrification and level boarding platforms can significantly improve rail travel on the west coast, too.
benjaminschneider.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Momentum is gaining momentum. The railroad infrastructure framework developed by @ndhapple.bsky.social has gone bicoastal.
A new report from @calelectricrail.org shows how level boarding and electrified trains would transform transportation in SoCal.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/how-southe...
A new report from @calelectricrail.org shows how level boarding and electrified trains would transform transportation in SoCal.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/how-southe...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
Time for Electrolink, Southern California 🚆
Electrification and level boarding "on the San Bernardino Line, the journey from San Bernardino to LA would go from 106 minutes to 70 minutes."
via @benschneider.bsky.social
Electrification and level boarding "on the San Bernardino Line, the journey from San Bernardino to LA would go from 106 minutes to 70 minutes."
via @benschneider.bsky.social
How Southern California would benefit from electric trains
Electrification and level boarding platforms can significantly improve rail travel on the west coast, too.
benjaminschneider.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Time for Electrolink, Southern California 🚆
Electrification and level boarding "on the San Bernardino Line, the journey from San Bernardino to LA would go from 106 minutes to 70 minutes."
via @benschneider.bsky.social
Electrification and level boarding "on the San Bernardino Line, the journey from San Bernardino to LA would go from 106 minutes to 70 minutes."
via @benschneider.bsky.social
New 196-unit housing project proposed for SF's Presidio. It's a very unique development led by the Presidio Trust and financed in part by US Treasury loans. Revenues from this fully market-rate project in a super desirable area would go toward supporting the park.
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/p...
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/p...
October 30, 2025 at 6:31 PM
New 196-unit housing project proposed for SF's Presidio. It's a very unique development led by the Presidio Trust and financed in part by US Treasury loans. Revenues from this fully market-rate project in a super desirable area would go toward supporting the park.
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/p...
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/p...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
What a waste. $200 m on a 2.2-mi line that plods along at 8 mph, doesn't have a direct Metro connection, gets stuck behind cars with which it shares lanes, & arrives less frequently than the (faster) bus along the same route.
The city couldn't bother to make it effective, so now it's being killed.
The city couldn't bother to make it effective, so now it's being killed.
DDOT Officially Announces DC Streetcar Service Ending Date - What a ride: www.popville.com/2025/10/ddot...
DDOT Officially Announces DC Streetcar Service Ending Date - PoPville
Streetcar will join its brother in arms early next year. From DDOT: "The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announces that DC Streetcar service will end on March 31, 2026. Following this dat...
www.popville.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:46 PM
What a waste. $200 m on a 2.2-mi line that plods along at 8 mph, doesn't have a direct Metro connection, gets stuck behind cars with which it shares lanes, & arrives less frequently than the (faster) bus along the same route.
The city couldn't bother to make it effective, so now it's being killed.
The city couldn't bother to make it effective, so now it's being killed.
Berkeley's transformation from one of the NIMBYest cities in California to one of the YIMBYest is a major arc in my book.
In 2022, Berkeley completed more new homes than it did in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s combined.
Rents there have been mostly flat in recent years.
In 2022, Berkeley completed more new homes than it did in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s combined.
Rents there have been mostly flat in recent years.
October 28, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Berkeley's transformation from one of the NIMBYest cities in California to one of the YIMBYest is a major arc in my book.
In 2022, Berkeley completed more new homes than it did in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s combined.
Rents there have been mostly flat in recent years.
In 2022, Berkeley completed more new homes than it did in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s combined.
Rents there have been mostly flat in recent years.
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
And then we entirely forgot all of it
Oct. 27, 1925: The superiority of the electric over the steam locomotive is shown in Washington state's Cascade Mountains by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. Two steam engines are hooked up to a lone electric one, which overpowers them and pulls them up an incline.
October 27, 2025 at 3:08 PM
And then we entirely forgot all of it
Really enjoyed talking to Adam Shanks at the @sfexaminer.bsky.social (my old paper!) about "The Unfinished Metropolis."
It was interesting to reflect on how growing up in San Franciscan informed my thesis about the stagnation of American cities.
www.sfexaminer.com/news/urban-d...
It was interesting to reflect on how growing up in San Franciscan informed my thesis about the stagnation of American cities.
www.sfexaminer.com/news/urban-d...
October 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Really enjoyed talking to Adam Shanks at the @sfexaminer.bsky.social (my old paper!) about "The Unfinished Metropolis."
It was interesting to reflect on how growing up in San Franciscan informed my thesis about the stagnation of American cities.
www.sfexaminer.com/news/urban-d...
It was interesting to reflect on how growing up in San Franciscan informed my thesis about the stagnation of American cities.
www.sfexaminer.com/news/urban-d...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
Think the pandemic was a low point for America's downtowns? Think again.
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
The Eternal Reinvention of the American Downtown
The rise of remote work is only the latest in a long line of existential challenges that US business districts have faced. This time, cities have a chance to do it right.
www.bloomberg.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Think the pandemic was a low point for America's downtowns? Think again.
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Think the pandemic was a low point for America's downtowns? Think again.
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
The Eternal Reinvention of the American Downtown
The rise of remote work is only the latest in a long line of existential challenges that US business districts have faced. This time, cities have a chance to do it right.
www.bloomberg.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Think the pandemic was a low point for America's downtowns? Think again.
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
In a new excerpt from my book, I explore the perpetual reinvention of these neighborhoods.
This time around, cities should celebrate the things that make downtowns special, not suppress them.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Very interesting deep dive into the safety issues with Brightline Florida, America's deadliest railroad by far.
The core problem is the 331 at-grade road crossings, compared to 0 between NYC and DC.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
The core problem is the 331 at-grade road crossings, compared to 0 between NYC and DC.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
A ‘Death Train’ Is Haunting South Florida
The Brightline has been hailed as the future of high-speed rail in the United States, but it has one big, unignorable problem.
www.theatlantic.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Very interesting deep dive into the safety issues with Brightline Florida, America's deadliest railroad by far.
The core problem is the 331 at-grade road crossings, compared to 0 between NYC and DC.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
The core problem is the 331 at-grade road crossings, compared to 0 between NYC and DC.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
Today is publication day for my book, "The Unfinished Metropolis"!
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
S.F. isn’t a finished product. It’s a work in progress. Can it ever learn to see itself that way?
OPINION: What should the view from the Golden Gate Bridge look like 50 years from now? Surely, no one who seriously contemplates it would respond, “Exactly the same.”
www.sfchronicle.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Today is publication day for my book, "The Unfinished Metropolis"!
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
Compared to US transit systems, the latest metros being constructed around the world look like they rolled straight out of science fiction.
Picture driverless trains arriving every 90 seconds, platform screen doors, and subways traveling over 100mph.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/why-automa...
Picture driverless trains arriving every 90 seconds, platform screen doors, and subways traveling over 100mph.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/why-automa...
Why automated metros are the future
High-tech transit can be cost-effective transit. Just look at Canada.
benjaminschneider.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Compared to US transit systems, the latest metros being constructed around the world look like they rolled straight out of science fiction.
Picture driverless trains arriving every 90 seconds, platform screen doors, and subways traveling over 100mph.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/why-automa...
Picture driverless trains arriving every 90 seconds, platform screen doors, and subways traveling over 100mph.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/why-automa...
Today is publication day for my book, "The Unfinished Metropolis"!
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
S.F. isn’t a finished product. It’s a work in progress. Can it ever learn to see itself that way?
OPINION: What should the view from the Golden Gate Bridge look like 50 years from now? Surely, no one who seriously contemplates it would respond, “Exactly the same.”
www.sfchronicle.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Today is publication day for my book, "The Unfinished Metropolis"!
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
To mark the occasion, the @sfchronicle.com published an excerpt in which I explore what has and hasn't changed in SF's cityscape, and imagine what the city could look like in 50 years.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
“The politics of transit construction are ‘all about minimizing disruption. That mentality leads to expensive choices.’”
The U.S. only has to look as far as Canada for an example of how to build transit, via @benschneider.bsky.social.
The U.S. only has to look as far as Canada for an example of how to build transit, via @benschneider.bsky.social.
Why automated metros are the future
High-tech transit can be cost-effective transit. Just look at Canada.
benjaminschneider.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:54 PM
“The politics of transit construction are ‘all about minimizing disruption. That mentality leads to expensive choices.’”
The U.S. only has to look as far as Canada for an example of how to build transit, via @benschneider.bsky.social.
The U.S. only has to look as far as Canada for an example of how to build transit, via @benschneider.bsky.social.
As the YIMBY movement took on zoning codes around the US, an even wonkier group set their sights on building codes...
you guys - there's a while chapter in @benschneider.bsky.social's new book 'unfinished metropolis' on regulations and single stair and the dearth of multifamily housing options in the US. 🤘
islandpress.org/books/unfini...
islandpress.org/books/unfini...
The Unfinished Metropolis
islandpress.org
October 19, 2025 at 2:06 PM
As the YIMBY movement took on zoning codes around the US, an even wonkier group set their sights on building codes...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
Excellent piece that's worth your time.
Missing middle housing is great, but in certain places cities should think bigger.
Missing massive development, to use @aarmlovi.bsky.social's coinage, is commensurate with a severe housing shortage and complimentary to high-capacity transit.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/missing-ma...
Missing massive development, to use @aarmlovi.bsky.social's coinage, is commensurate with a severe housing shortage and complimentary to high-capacity transit.
benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/missing-ma...
We need to talk about ‘missing massive’ housing
In most neighborhoods, missing middle housing will do the trick. But right on top of subway stations, missing massive is a worthy goal.
benjaminschneider.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Excellent piece that's worth your time.
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
“The cost of living accelerates at a far faster pace than inflation. So every year, our costs increase with the cost of living, but our revenues increase at best with inflation,” said @jeffreytumlin.bsky.social.
Enter the transit fiscal cliff.
via @benschneider.bsky.social
Enter the transit fiscal cliff.
via @benschneider.bsky.social
Why are so many transit agencies facing ‘fiscal cliffs’?
Covid and inflation played a role. But for many agencies, the crisis goes much deeper.
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
“The cost of living accelerates at a far faster pace than inflation. So every year, our costs increase with the cost of living, but our revenues increase at best with inflation,” said @jeffreytumlin.bsky.social.
Enter the transit fiscal cliff.
via @benschneider.bsky.social
Enter the transit fiscal cliff.
via @benschneider.bsky.social
"The MTA could save as much as $160 million a year if it could run the LIRR as efficiently as Metro-North, a Streetsblog review of federal data shows."
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/10/08/m...
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/10/08/m...
October 13, 2025 at 7:54 PM
"The MTA could save as much as $160 million a year if it could run the LIRR as efficiently as Metro-North, a Streetsblog review of federal data shows."
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/10/08/m...
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/10/08/m...
Trams and streetcars pair best with missing middle density. Heavy rail transit demands missing massive density.
Asian cities mostly skipped the era of missing middle style development, so streetcars and trams are rare there.
nextmetro.substack.com/p/asias-lack...
Asian cities mostly skipped the era of missing middle style development, so streetcars and trams are rare there.
nextmetro.substack.com/p/asias-lack...
Asias: Lack of Trams.
Breaking Down their Perplexing Absence.
nextmetro.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Trams and streetcars pair best with missing middle density. Heavy rail transit demands missing massive density.
Asian cities mostly skipped the era of missing middle style development, so streetcars and trams are rare there.
nextmetro.substack.com/p/asias-lack...
Asian cities mostly skipped the era of missing middle style development, so streetcars and trams are rare there.
nextmetro.substack.com/p/asias-lack...
Reposted by Benjamin Schneider
Unfinished Metropolis also features the illustrations of @alfredtwu.com including this EMU.
October 13, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Unfinished Metropolis also features the illustrations of @alfredtwu.com including this EMU.