4 ms·

What’s growth to a subway/underground railway company, or even, a cargo rail company?

by mc32 4y ago

seibelj 4y ago
It's not about growth, it's about productivity. All tech innovations increase productivity. Growth to a railway is better logistics so things are directed more accurately, more energy efficiency, more efficient use of labor, etc. They can also increase their sales, but I think your comment was implying those are stagnant industries. All technology is ultimately making improved outcomes at lower cost. That is what technological advancement is.
- Larrikin 4y ago
  You made up a railway logistics company instead of addressing the point about a commuter subway. There is no need for growth in a subway unless they are adding lines or stations. If there is constant growth outside of that then it's just hurting consumers.
  - selectodude 4y ago
    Until the growth of population slows down, a commuter subway that isn't iterating and improving capacity will get worse too. Just look at New York pre-covid. The subway was literally and figuratively collapsing under the growth in passengers.
  - seibelj 4y ago
    If there is the profit test then the subway operator will always strive to continue maximizing revenue while minimizing cost. That could be automated trains without drivers, making the trains more reliable to encourage more ridership, marketing events like free weekend riding, and all sorts of things. It is the government-run subways that are stagnant, smelly, late, broken down because no one in the entire org has any incentive to do anything other than the bare minimum to avoid getting fired.
    - Larrikin 4y ago
      Except government run subways work well in nearly all countries except the United States. It's not always a red versus blue issue, but other countries don't have to constantly fight against one party that gets into government to prove government doesn't work by making government worse.
renewiltord 4y ago
Total number of people-rides delivered within x% of scheduled time with y% loss rate. Total number of TEU delivered within x% of scheduled time with y% loss rate. If the company is doing a job well, these should go up over time. Sure, you can add on more conditions (i.e. with z max pax/sq.m., with p max wait to board) but ultimately, if the thing is doing its job right, there should be growth. It should be getting more people to places. Every successful subway system shows growth. Taiwan Metro and TfL are both well renowned and both show continuous growth. Growth is Good.

What’s growth to a subway/underground railway company, or even, a cargo rail company?

by mc32 4y ago

What’s growth to a subway/underground railway company, or even, a cargo rail company?

It's not about growth, it's about productivity. All tech innovations increase productivity. Growth to a railway is better logistics so things are directed more accurately, more energy efficiency, more efficient use of labor, etc. They can also increase their sales, but I think your comment was implying those are stagnant industries. All technology is ultimately making improved outcomes at lower cost. That is what technological advancement is.

Larrikin 4y ago
You made up a railway logistics company instead of addressing the point about a commuter subway. There is no need for growth in a subway unless they are adding lines or stations. If there is constant growth outside of that then it's just hurting consumers.
- selectodude 4y ago
  Until the growth of population slows down, a commuter subway that isn't iterating and improving capacity will get worse too. Just look at New York pre-covid. The subway was literally and figuratively collapsing under the growth in passengers.
- seibelj 4y ago
  If there is the profit test then the subway operator will always strive to continue maximizing revenue while minimizing cost. That could be automated trains without drivers, making the trains more reliable to encourage more ridership, marketing events like free weekend riding, and all sorts of things. It is the government-run subways that are stagnant, smelly, late, broken down because no one in the entire org has any incentive to do anything other than the bare minimum to avoid getting fired.
  - Larrikin 4y ago
    Except government run subways work well in nearly all countries except the United States. It's not always a red versus blue issue, but other countries don't have to constantly fight against one party that gets into government to prove government doesn't work by making government worse.

renewiltord 4y ago

Total number of people-rides delivered within x% of scheduled time with y% loss rate. Total number of TEU delivered within x% of scheduled time with y% loss rate. If the company is doing a job well, these should go up over time. Sure, you can add on more conditions (i.e. with z max pax/sq.m., with p max wait to board) but ultimately, if the thing is doing its job right, there should be growth. It should be getting more people to places. Every successful subway system shows growth. Taiwan Metro and TfL are both well renowned and both show continuous growth. Growth is Good.