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.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
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)