“As Wilt argues with vigour, egomaniac billionaires will not save us. But if people fight together for transit—massively expanded, truly accessible, publicly owned, democratically controlled, and hell, why not free—well, we might just be on a fast track to winning the world we need.”

–Avi Lewis, filmmaker and co-founder of The Leap

“In 2020, we stand at a critical juncture: will we democratize and decarbonize mass transit systems—or will we allow private electric vehicles to dominate our streets? In this lucid, accessible, and sharply argued book, James Wilt presents an inspiring vision of mobility justice for transit workers, riders, and broader communities. In the process, he deftly critiques the twin paradigms of automobility and austerity, which threaten to dismantle public transit in the United States, Canada, and beyond.”

–Thea Riofrancos, co-author of A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal

“Will electric cars and ride-sharing platforms solve climate change? For James Wilt, these supposedly eco-friendly innovations are the latest in a long history of profit-driven threats to public transit. Wilt debunks the hype surrounding electric, autonomous vehicles and makes the case for a decarbonized future that guarantees mobility for everyone.”

–Shelagh Pizey-Allen, executive director of TTCriders

“In this very readable and strategically important book, Wilt identifies the centrality of public transit in key issues of our time: the environment, the urban crisis, inequality, and the ebb of the social. Rejecting tinkering and technical fixes, he argues, with admirable confidence, for a radical politics that once again places public ownership and democratic planning on the public agenda.”

–Sam Gindin, co-author of The Making of Global Capitalism