I agree with your main point: urban design trumps transit technology decisions.  But, having ridden the Skytrain on a trip to Vancouver, I must say that it is really nice.  Fast, smooth, automated, and nearly silent.  Getting on the BART after that was like stepping into the 19th Century.

Hey, all:

This is a very interesting description of two cultures and political systems, and I think the explanation actually goes beyond mere urban design.  

It appears that many major cities in the U.S. have mass transit systems of some sort and extent, but it is major old cities mostly in the East, which have systems that have the significant use.  A history and traditional acceptance of mass transit is important here.  It would seem that in the U.S. if the city does not have that tradition, acceptance is much less assured. Ridership suffers.

On top of this we have the political domination of the U.S. by the corporate oligarchy, and all the resultant developments.  Prime example: Detroit, the oil companies, and the tire industry were practically found guilty in the 1950s in their conspiracy to buy up and shut down mass transit systems in many cities, to their own economic benefit.  They still rule, and BushCo.'s regressive retrograde stance on AGW is proof.      

So yes, urban design is important but it follows political and public will.  Canada has the proper will, the U.S. does not.

Interesting topic.

David
Sustainability For Life

Messages done with sustainable energy, with Wind and Sun!

Having lived in Vancouver for 2 years, I can say that the transit works. But it's certainly nowhere near "best-in-the-world" as far as transit systems go. Maybe North America.

Almost a year ago now I came over to Europe, since then I've been in 3 cities (Hamburg, Berlin and London). I live in Berlin. In comparison, Vancouver's transit system is horribly ineffective and slow. While I lived there, I always preferred to take a car because it was so much faster. I suppose that if you live in Burnaby or New Westminster, that it might be quicker, but Richmond(until the new line is done) and the more further out regions, hah, good luck. The buses run every 30 minutes and they are often late/stuck in traffic on the highway like everyone in their cars, except the bus takes a longer route in the end.

I'm not saying Vancouver is wrong, and I give kudos for them being better than their southern neighbours. But don't kid yourselves into thinking that it can hold a candle to Europe, its not even a match.