What is the largest city without a subway system?

The Lone Star Paradox: Arlington, Texas, the Biggest City Without a Subway

In a world increasingly reliant on interconnected public transportation networks, some urban areas stand out for their stark difference. Among them, Arlington, Texas, presents a fascinating case study. With a population exceeding 395,000, Arlington is the largest city in the United States that lacks a traditional subway or light rail system, a distinction that highlights both the city’s unique development trajectory and the challenges of urban mobility in the 21st century.

While bustling metropolises like New York, Chicago, and even Dallas (Arlington’s larger neighbor) boast extensive underground and elevated rail lines, Arlington relies primarily on a network of roads and personal vehicles. This reliance is a direct result of the city’s historical growth patterns, which were largely shaped by the rise of the automobile and the decentralized suburban sprawl that followed World War II. Unlike older cities planned around pedestrian access and later adapted to rail, Arlington’s infrastructure was largely built with the car in mind.

The consequences of this car-centric development are multifaceted. Traffic congestion remains a significant challenge, particularly during peak hours. Environmental concerns also loom large, as a reliance on personal vehicles contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the lack of readily available public transit disproportionately affects low-income residents and those who may not have access to a car, hindering their access to jobs, education, and essential services.

So, why hasn’t Arlington built a subway or light rail? Several factors contribute to this situation. The city’s relatively low population density, spread across a considerable geographic area, makes constructing and maintaining a comprehensive rail system financially challenging. The initial investment costs are substantial, and ridership projections may not justify such a large-scale infrastructure project. Furthermore, political hurdles and public resistance, often stemming from concerns about property values and disruption during construction, have also played a role in delaying or derailing previous proposals.

However, Arlington is not entirely devoid of public transport options. The city has invested in various bus services, including the VIA bus system and the smaller-scale “Via” on-demand ride-sharing service. These initiatives are designed to provide affordable and convenient transportation within specific areas of the city. Additionally, Arlington benefits from its proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, a major transportation hub that connects the city to destinations worldwide.

Looking ahead, Arlington is actively exploring innovative transportation solutions to address its mobility challenges. Discussions around autonomous vehicles, expanded bus networks, and even potential partnerships with neighboring cities for regional rail projects are ongoing. The future of transportation in Arlington remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the city faces a critical need to adapt and evolve to meet the growing demands of its population while mitigating the environmental and social consequences of its car-dependent past. The “Lone Star Paradox” of being the largest city without a subway presents both a significant challenge and an opportunity for Arlington to forge a new path toward a more sustainable and accessible urban future.