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Kyjelly's avatar

Congestion pricing! Just like the ultra low emission zone in London. I was amazed when I saw it for the first time this summer and felt sad we weren't doing something similar so I'm fully thrilled to hear it's in the works here in the states as well. I did not know about the months of paid leave either. That really boosted my mood to read! I wish there was one place a person could go to learn about the civic successes happening around the US- it's hard not to feel a bit bleak at times.

I am one of the Americans that went to Europe for the first time this summer and I compared everything I saw- the trains, the streets, what sense I could get of if people struggled or not, the prices of the housing in ads I passed on the street. My general impression is that things seem to run better but it's not perfect and the public goods cost a lot. I was shellshocked by how expensive the tube was compared my daily SEPTA ride- it cost easily as much as a Lyft or Uber. But on the flip side, I think that's why the public goods are so good. I'm just a layperson but it seemed to me that in the US we pay out of pocket for things to be nice, a la carte. Like I'd say their public buildings reminded me of the kind of private college I went to, and the train anyone can take is super nice and safe and clean, the way a private uber ride is reliably nice and clean. It's interesting to think about if it's better to share the burden of better public goods but have less personal money- I think so.

That's my little rant! I'm so glad I saw this, I was feeling ***A LOT*** after I came home from Europe so it's nice to actually talk about it with others

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Nick Hamilton's avatar

Diana, Thank you for this post! An excellent reminder to keep our rose-colored glasses handy, but to know when to take them off. Also, some keen observations, and photos to drive the points home. As always, appreciate you taking the time to share your thinking with the rest of us. -Nick

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