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#1 problem with the bus for me is that I need to pay attention. Solve that problem (with a gps device that 'dings' when I need to get off, or the like.) and y
by lsc 17y ago
#1 problem with the bus for me is that I need to pay attention. Solve that problem (with a gps device that 'dings' when I need to get off, or the like.) and you don't need to build more infrastructure.
Personally, if I can ride the train (caltrain here in the south bay, or BART in the rest of the bay area) it's pretty good. I work rather than paying attention to driving. the bus is right out, not because of the poverty, but because I have to pay attention, else I end up at the wrong stop.
The thing is, on the train, I'm working. I've got one of those cellular modems in my laptop, so really I don't mind that it often takes longer than driving. In fact, I'd prefer to remove the complex 'express' schedules, as it's difficult to figure out what train you need to be on. (the shitty PA speaker is hard to understand, even when the conductor gives you clear instructions, which isn't often) Also, often in many trains it is difficult to tell which train you are in from inside the train, and the number on the cab flashes by quickly.
- jrockway 17y agoIt is strange that transit agencies that have services with different stopping patterns don't buy railcars with destination signs on them. In Chicago, Metra Electric recently bought new railcards, and the front of the trains have digital destination signs... but they just use the internal railway coding on them, so normal customers have no idea which train is which. It is kind of dumb. (Sure, I figured out their code, but I don't expect that out of most people.) Also nice are digital signs at the stations that show which train is which, like these: http://sbarnhill.mvps.org/Japan/Images/DepartureBoard.JPG http://sbarnhill.mvps.org/Japan/Images/DepartureBoard.JPG It shows the name and destination of the next three trains, and the stations that the next train stops at. Not sure why we don't have these in the US.
- Zev 17y agoIt shows the name and destination of the next three trains, and the stations that the next train stops at. Not sure why we don't have these in the US. The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) does; it shows the final destination at top and all the stops along the way underneath. If the sign only has one line, it scrolls to show all the stops. Most trains even have a sign in the car that shows what the destination and next stop are. I'll take some pictures tomorrow when I pass through it.
- Zev 17y agoFWIW, http://cld.ly/0f1o7m http://cld.ly/0f1o7m (Inside a train; in this case, the Airtrain from JFK to Jamaica) and http://cld.ly/ed1o7n http://cld.ly/ed1o7n (On the platform at Jamaica, transferring to go to the station in my town.) There's a few (or, at least one) other picture, but thats on my phone (non-smartphone, so its a big of a dance to get pictures off of it).