Trump’s bizarre new transit plan could hurt the families who need it most

The Trump administration's latest transit policy has sparked controversy, potentially causing harm to families who depend on public transportation the most. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, surrounded by his nine children, claimed that the administration should promote marriage and large families, aligning federal funding for public transit projects with high fertility and marriage rates.

According to the administration, communities with a higher number of traditional nuclear families could receive a 10 percent funding boost to build new trains, bus routes, and ferry lines.

The policy, which echoes President Trump's self-proclaimed "fertilization president" status, has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that it overlooks the genuine challenges faced by families when it comes to using public transit, such as long wait times, inaccessible stations, inadequate reach, and crowded rush hours. These issues disproportionately affect families in densely populated areas, where they often have to navigate subpar transit options or endure lengthy commutes due to inaccessible infrastructure.

Despite these concerns, the policy inadvertently highlights the need for better family-friendly public transportation systems. Families, especially those with children, rely on public transit in cities where car ownership is not an option, and access to adequate transportation is crucial for social mobility. The administration's focus on marriage and fertility rates, while misguided, raises important questions about how American families utilize public transit and the potential benefits of improved infrastructure for families.

However, the policy could inadvertently exacerbate existing issues for families, particularly in dense cities where public transit is the primary means of transportation. The Trump administration's history of neglecting communities with high birth rates, such as those in Chicago's South Side, further complicates the issue. If the new guidelines come into effect, transit projects in these areas may face additional challenges, potentially worsening the situation for families that already face significant transportation barriers.