Final answer:
Chicago's public transportation is called the "L" as it stands for "elevated." Urban areas subsidize transit systems to support urban growth, address environmental concerns, and promote equitable access. Development patterns of cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Atlanta illustrate the influence of transit infrastructure on urban development.
Step-by-step explanation:
People call Chicago's public transportation the "L" because it is short for "elevated," which refers to the sections of the system that are elevated above ground. Elevated and subterranean railways play a crucial role in urban development, providing a means of efficient transportation between different urban districts. In the case of Chicago, its elevated rail system has become not only a practical urban transit solution but also a cultural icon of the city.
Urban areas subsidize transit systems because these systems are viewed as essential for urban growth, tackling environmental issues, and ensuring equitable access to various parts of a city for all residents. Efficient commuter rail or subway systems have been instrumental in shaping the development and personality of cities. For instance, the extensive rail system in San Francisco's Bay Area has had a significant effect on its urban evolution. Similarly, cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta, which grew in an era of automobile dominance, evolved differently from cities that developed around public transit infrastructure.