Link
While I understand the motivation behind this, I am not sure it is a huge step forward. Most commuter cyclists are told to bring a spare kit for changing tires and to be honest, it is quite a simple task that adds no more than a few pounds to your loadout. Unfortunately, many bikers may not take the risk of a flat or mechanical failure seriously so alternative forms of transit may be needed mid-commute. A prepared cyclist would only need this feature in extreme circumstances and this is only AAA, more insurance companies would need to support it for it to gain traction.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Dutch Cycling
Link
The Netherlands has a unique problem in Amsterdam, where the number of bikes are greater than their population by about 10%. While US cities would be hard fought to find a city where cycling is as crowded, it shows just how many people are willing to cycle if the infrastructure supports it and promotes safety. While many riders will not cite health benefits, the economic upside and potential time reduction in commuting can lead to a higher quality commute and increase satisfaction with living in the area.
The Netherlands has a unique problem in Amsterdam, where the number of bikes are greater than their population by about 10%. While US cities would be hard fought to find a city where cycling is as crowded, it shows just how many people are willing to cycle if the infrastructure supports it and promotes safety. While many riders will not cite health benefits, the economic upside and potential time reduction in commuting can lead to a higher quality commute and increase satisfaction with living in the area.
Maglev in DC
Link
Political commentary aside, I think this article has a lot of interesting information. With financial incentives from other governments, not corporate investors, you would think that the offer would be taken under serious consideration. Unfortunately, our society isnt quite ready to adopt transit as we feel attached to our personal vehicles and the government should do what it can to ensure that I can use it whenever I want. Or at least that is my impression of the constituency. The biggest issue is the price tag, in an era of budget cuts and sequestration it will be a tall order to pass a $10B project that has harsh critics both domestically and abroad.
Political commentary aside, I think this article has a lot of interesting information. With financial incentives from other governments, not corporate investors, you would think that the offer would be taken under serious consideration. Unfortunately, our society isnt quite ready to adopt transit as we feel attached to our personal vehicles and the government should do what it can to ensure that I can use it whenever I want. Or at least that is my impression of the constituency. The biggest issue is the price tag, in an era of budget cuts and sequestration it will be a tall order to pass a $10B project that has harsh critics both domestically and abroad.
Estonia Public Transit
Link
Ideas like this are what breathe new life into transit. While some may have failed, bringing them back with calculated risk can lead to increased ridership and decrease the number of vehicles on the roadway making it easier for all involved. While free may not be feasible in small communities where the cost of equipment would likely represent a large financial burden, larger cities can explore alternatives to the standard way of doing things with items like an unlimited monthly pass, discount cards, flat rates, etc. Motivating people to use transit it very difficult, especially in Norman where there is nearly no incentive to do so. Students can begin the shift since they likely are the largest demographic of CART ridership.
Ideas like this are what breathe new life into transit. While some may have failed, bringing them back with calculated risk can lead to increased ridership and decrease the number of vehicles on the roadway making it easier for all involved. While free may not be feasible in small communities where the cost of equipment would likely represent a large financial burden, larger cities can explore alternatives to the standard way of doing things with items like an unlimited monthly pass, discount cards, flat rates, etc. Motivating people to use transit it very difficult, especially in Norman where there is nearly no incentive to do so. Students can begin the shift since they likely are the largest demographic of CART ridership.
Lyft in Ann Arbor
Link
I think this methodology is some of the best for enticing people to use alternative forms of transit. With the University of Michigan close by, users in Ann Arbor would likely use this service on the weekend for transport to and from bars, although that may be an errant assumption on my part. The free launch gives them, what Lyft hopes to be, a pleasant first experience with the service in hopes of repeat business. Programs such as these, at the very minimum, can reduce the amount of intoxicated drivers when they dont have to wait an hour or more for a taxi when the system is taxed at capacity. Local people can help out and make some money in the process.
I think this methodology is some of the best for enticing people to use alternative forms of transit. With the University of Michigan close by, users in Ann Arbor would likely use this service on the weekend for transport to and from bars, although that may be an errant assumption on my part. The free launch gives them, what Lyft hopes to be, a pleasant first experience with the service in hopes of repeat business. Programs such as these, at the very minimum, can reduce the amount of intoxicated drivers when they dont have to wait an hour or more for a taxi when the system is taxed at capacity. Local people can help out and make some money in the process.
Uber in Tampa, FL
While attending a conference in Tampa, FL a few weeks back, I was given the opportunity to experience Uber first hand. I have participated in ride sharing programs before, so the concept wasnt foreign but I was not confident that the advertised product would deliver on its promises. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to locate a ride and it was considerably cheaper(read free) than taking a taxi because it had just launched in the area. Granted, my positive experience can easily be outweighed by a negative one, but for now programs such as this will receive my support.
Another hiccup
Link
Another example of powerful people steamrolling ideas that they find distasteful even if it supports or betters the local area. I think this was a short sighted move all in the interest of appearances, rather than looking at the long term effects and potential up-side from this project. Another case of the golden rule-"the man with the gold makes the rules"
Another example of powerful people steamrolling ideas that they find distasteful even if it supports or betters the local area. I think this was a short sighted move all in the interest of appearances, rather than looking at the long term effects and potential up-side from this project. Another case of the golden rule-"the man with the gold makes the rules"
Mellennials more inclined to use public transit
Link
While I find that this is a positive sign and we may be trending toward a more responsible future, the cities mentioned aren't know for being your typical American city. Nearly all of them have decent walk-ability in the downtown area with relatively well developed forms of public transit existing. The key issue is to make transit viable in large cities who are not currently embracing it or do not have the resources. We need examples of what to do, but eventually people need to start getting traction in more urban areas instead of improving the model that already works.
While I find that this is a positive sign and we may be trending toward a more responsible future, the cities mentioned aren't know for being your typical American city. Nearly all of them have decent walk-ability in the downtown area with relatively well developed forms of public transit existing. The key issue is to make transit viable in large cities who are not currently embracing it or do not have the resources. We need examples of what to do, but eventually people need to start getting traction in more urban areas instead of improving the model that already works.
Michigan DOT cuts Transit Budget
Link
I think it is very unfortunate that states will continue to cut budgets for public transit in order to make it easier for low occupancy vehicles to travel. While I understand that maintaining the infrastructure is very costly and important in nearly every way to its residents, alienating those who may not have their own transportation or do not wish to provide it, are left struggling to find alternatives.
I think it is very unfortunate that states will continue to cut budgets for public transit in order to make it easier for low occupancy vehicles to travel. While I understand that maintaining the infrastructure is very costly and important in nearly every way to its residents, alienating those who may not have their own transportation or do not wish to provide it, are left struggling to find alternatives.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Cycle Tours
NYT
This idea is really attractive in my opinion, as you get to experience a city in a way that would not exist either by transit or by car. I think it will encourage more people to try out cycling and potentially uncover some very scenic or unique cycling routes that will enhance the experience of local riders. For potential travelers that would follow this tour nationwide, it would be a great way to experience all the sights and sounds at a faster speed than a pedestrian but slow enough for you to appreciate the environment and all of its offerings. Of course, with a potential for a large group I would hope that some minimal cycling experience is required to make sure things progress smoothly.
This idea is really attractive in my opinion, as you get to experience a city in a way that would not exist either by transit or by car. I think it will encourage more people to try out cycling and potentially uncover some very scenic or unique cycling routes that will enhance the experience of local riders. For potential travelers that would follow this tour nationwide, it would be a great way to experience all the sights and sounds at a faster speed than a pedestrian but slow enough for you to appreciate the environment and all of its offerings. Of course, with a potential for a large group I would hope that some minimal cycling experience is required to make sure things progress smoothly.
More Transit Riders
NYT
This is an encouraging sign to say the least. While mass transit is only viable to most people in relatively dense urban settings, the fact that ridership has gone up shows that they may see a load shift from low occupancy vehicles and all the things that come with it(parking, varying fuel stations, etc) may dwindle and lead to an even greater footprint for MTA and the like. While I do believe that fuel prices have something to do with the increased ridership, I also think that the improved security and patrolling of transit areas from the 80's to today allow a far more diverse group of people to utilize the system.
This is an encouraging sign to say the least. While mass transit is only viable to most people in relatively dense urban settings, the fact that ridership has gone up shows that they may see a load shift from low occupancy vehicles and all the things that come with it(parking, varying fuel stations, etc) may dwindle and lead to an even greater footprint for MTA and the like. While I do believe that fuel prices have something to do with the increased ridership, I also think that the improved security and patrolling of transit areas from the 80's to today allow a far more diverse group of people to utilize the system.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Rail DOT Changes
Link to NYT
I believe that these types of changes can greatly improve rail safety within large cities, the reduction in speed reduces the probability for time consuming derailments or crashes. Unfortunately, a side effect for crossings that are not rail dedicated and share a vehicular or pedestrian paths will increase wait time at the intersection and could potentially lead to increased traffic load during peak hours. The offset however, is that by reducing derailments and accidents the likelihood of a regional shutdown is decreased. Because an environmental cleanup is much more involved with chemical tankers, as compared to lumber, passenger, or other dry goods; the newer models will decrease the probability of a rupture which can lead to large infernos, explosions, and other ill-fated results. Personally, I view this as an environmental response rather than safety, but the net effect is the same.
I believe that these types of changes can greatly improve rail safety within large cities, the reduction in speed reduces the probability for time consuming derailments or crashes. Unfortunately, a side effect for crossings that are not rail dedicated and share a vehicular or pedestrian paths will increase wait time at the intersection and could potentially lead to increased traffic load during peak hours. The offset however, is that by reducing derailments and accidents the likelihood of a regional shutdown is decreased. Because an environmental cleanup is much more involved with chemical tankers, as compared to lumber, passenger, or other dry goods; the newer models will decrease the probability of a rupture which can lead to large infernos, explosions, and other ill-fated results. Personally, I view this as an environmental response rather than safety, but the net effect is the same.
New Transit Bill
Link to NYT
I think that these issues will continue to creep up on us and find unsubstantiated resistance from most of the population. Even though improving our transit system is an idea that is bipartisan, funding is not and it will likely take a majority in both houses to get something like this passed while mitigating public backlash from the other half. In some ways, the good of the people is sacrificed for the good of the party, which I guess isn't surprising, but it can be debilitating for areas desperate for renovations.
I think that these issues will continue to creep up on us and find unsubstantiated resistance from most of the population. Even though improving our transit system is an idea that is bipartisan, funding is not and it will likely take a majority in both houses to get something like this passed while mitigating public backlash from the other half. In some ways, the good of the people is sacrificed for the good of the party, which I guess isn't surprising, but it can be debilitating for areas desperate for renovations.
Monday, January 20, 2014
20.1.14
Link
Plainfield, MI regulated digital billboards and differentiate them from the standard version by introducing varying statutes that prohibit certain features. Some of these features are: scrolling or moving text; frequent(<8sec) message changes; overilluminated messages; brightness in relation to current ambient lighting; light pollution; and transition periods between messages. What I liked best about this proposal are the stiff penalties associated with infractions, such as: >$2500.00 per day/per infraction; land sign owners liable if negligent billboard is on property; previous violators are fined double the standard amount.
Plainfield, MI regulated digital billboards and differentiate them from the standard version by introducing varying statutes that prohibit certain features. Some of these features are: scrolling or moving text; frequent(<8sec) message changes; overilluminated messages; brightness in relation to current ambient lighting; light pollution; and transition periods between messages. What I liked best about this proposal are the stiff penalties associated with infractions, such as: >$2500.00 per day/per infraction; land sign owners liable if negligent billboard is on property; previous violators are fined double the standard amount.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)