Great Transit Systems/Routes
Information
What are the best transit system or extraordinary Routes and how do they work as essential for local users and tourists
Members: 10
Latest Activity: Aug 4
This picture is in Amsterdam where there is a line which is two way but uses one track through a very narrow street. However when you look closely, you can see two tracks right next to each other. Thus the trams, going in two directions have their own tracks on a very narrow roadway.
This street car is in Istanbul on a major street that runs along a ridge. The name is Istiklal Street and it is a short trip from one end of the street to the other, but the street car is essential for many who can't walk the distance and for others who like the experience. It is nice to walk one direction and use the tram for the other. Without the tram, I think the street would not feel complete. The tram also helps to keep people from walking directly down the center, allowing the stores on each side to have potential costumers closer to their windows.
Comment Wall
Add a Comment
-
Comment by Aurash Khawarzad on April 23, 2009 at 11:36am - Robin - I found this article about the MTA working with Google to develop NYC transit applications. You'll notice on your mobile phone, or google maps, that you can look up directions to any point in the city via car, bus/rail, or walking. It's a great feature that I use all the time, especially for bus service, which I haven't used a lot in the past.
-
Comment by Robin Lester on April 8, 2009 at 10:22am
-
Aurash- I heard about the SF transit info being released, and I think it's an amazing idea. Not only does it instill public trust (think about all the animosity toward NYC's MTA), but it engages a younger generation into the public transit process.
Are there any plans to do this in NYC? I think if this happens, and we ever get cell reception in subway tunnels, it could lead to some really innovative solutions.
-
Comment by Aurash Khawarzad on March 17, 2009 at 4:38pm
- Exactly. The overhead lines add a sense of permanence to the bus system, which is what you're describing about the street cars. To elaborate on that point, entrances or signage for rail is always significant, whereas signage for bus stops are usually small in comparison, and even flimsy at times. Think about which one is a better indicator, an entrance to a subway stop, or a simple bus stop sign on a slender pole?
-
Comment by Fred Kent on March 17, 2009 at 4:31pm - I did not think of the bus the way you describe it, but you are right. The overhead lines are a clue that the bus goes here and will always go there. When you don't have that tell-tale sign, you wonder if and when a bus may or may not even show up. That is why I like street cars. You always know one will come along.
-
Comment by Aurash Khawarzad on March 17, 2009 at 4:06pm
-
I've been to San Francisco four times, and I've probably rode the bus there more than any other place in my life. I actually look forward to riding the bus in SF next time I go. Yes, even more than the cable cars.
The bus system is very comprehensive for the neighborhoods my friends and I love to go to, which is basically everywhere from North Beach down to the Mission. I've heard some people complain about the aesthetics overhead wires that the buses use for power, but I think they are part of the reason I am so willing to ride the bus there; they are an easy indicator of which roads the buses traverse. The system is also well integrated with the rest of the city's public transit (MUNI).
One of the reason I don't ride buses often is because I find planning bus trips to be difficult. The scheduling seems to be unreliable, and the routes aren't always clear. In order to get over those obstacles, SF has released all their transit information to the public in spreadsheet format, which has allowed their tech-smart population to create very useful web mashups and mobile applications that almost make planning transit trips fun. I can't wait to get back to try out some of the planning applications.
Here is an interesting article about how releasing transit data is improving bus travel in SF.
-
Comment by Fred Kent on March 17, 2009 at 2:09pm
-
Year round the windows go up and down depending on the weather. You always feel connected to others passing from the other direction, with the people in the buildings and on the sidewalks and with the larger environment. Looking at people encased in airconditioned buses and cars, you feel sorry for them and all they are missing.
-
Comment by Fred Kent on February 27, 2009 at 9:38am
-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Tramways
This is the link to the Wikipedia write up on the tram
-
Comment by Fred Kent on February 27, 2009 at 8:26am
-
One of my favorite transit systems in the world is the Hong Kong tram. Wikipedia starts out with a terrific description along with a great history and background.
Hong Kong Tramways is one of the three tramways in the world that have regular operation of double-decker trams (the others being Blackpool, England and Alexandria, Egypt), and is the only system that runs exclusively on double-deckers.
Operated by The Wharf, the tramway runs on Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong between Shau Kei Wan and Kennedy Town, with a branch circulating Happy Valley. 240,000 residents commute by tram every day. Serving from 1904, it is one of the earliest forms of public transport in Hong Kong. Trams in Hong Kong have not only been a form of transport for over 100 years, but also a major tourist attraction.
Look up Hong Kong Trams on Google
About
© 2009 Created by Project for Public Spaces on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
You need to be a member of Great Transit Systems/Routes to add comments!