4 ms·

The problem with that is the part where you need to get to and from the train station to your actual destination, which could be on the very other side of town.

The problem with that is the part where you need to get to and from the train station to your actual destination, which could be on the very other side of town. It can be solved with shuttles or taxis, but that adds even more complexity and annoyance than just driving directly, especially with luggage.

_dain_ 4y ago
Those cities have extensive networks of local rail, subway, trams, and buses. So "the other side of town" is easily reachable.
- moffkalast 4y ago
  And you again need to figure out and get whatever local card or ticket or app they decided to use to pay for all that, because there is zero standardization, which adds even more financial overhead assuming you're only visiting once, plus figuring out the timetable and route plan so you don't end up on the completely opposite end. Lots of "Oh wait, you were supposed to take the #15 bus, but this is a #15B which doesn't go to your station because fuck you" moments. Remember, this mess is trying to directly compete with just looking at a satnav and driving where it says with no extra charge, lost time, or mental effort.
  - bluGill 4y ago
    Transit agencies should come up with a reciprocity plan. You don't live here, but you have have a monthly pass for the city you live in so I'll let you ride my system for a week - or if system prices are too different pro-rate your time so you get a great discount. Note that a large part of the above is I think transit agencies should try to get as many people as possible on unlimited ride family passes. Anyone with such a pass must find transit useful enough to use often anyway, and the pass means they don't worry about making one additional trip they just go.
    - johnwalkr 4y ago
      Large cities don’t usually have one unlimited monthly plan, you pay for your specific route or zone(s).
      - bluGill 4y ago
        I'm fine with zones, though I think cites get them wrong. The lowest cost zone should include your house, no matter where you live, with additional zones for getting farther away. When traveling your hotel should be how your zone is defined (or where ever you stay). But you should always strive to have everyone on an unlimited rides pass for their home zone. Anything else encourages getting a car for trips that could go either way and that in turn justifies a car for everything.
  - Telluur 4y ago
    > because there is zero standardization For the Netherlands, you could not be more wrong. By law, all public transport companies for Trains, Metro, Tram, Bus, Watertaxies are hooked into the exact same NFC payment platform, the OV-chipkaart. Recently, they rolled out debit/credit card payments on these readers nation-wide. Additionally, all public transportation companies provide standardized service information including live updates (often required by the law). Any journey can be fully planned on 9292.nl.
    - moffkalast 4y ago
      Good thing the only country that exists is the Netherlands and nobody ever ventures outside of it. I do hope there is an eventual push for an EU-wide NFC system for public transport, that would be pretty dope.
david-gpu 4y ago
Bike sharing services are great in those situations. You don't even need to carry your bike in the train. There is also public transit like trams and buses.
- runako 4y ago
  Gentle reminder that a significant portion of society is not able to carry out trips on bikes due to infirmity, disability, or needing to convey someone who cannot bike (e.g. small children).
  - nostromo123 4y ago
    I agree, but in a short time someone will reply here to tell you how they brought their kids to kindergarten in subzero temperatures with a bike, or how they bike half an hour in rain to buy groceries... For my family it's not even about the physical aspect, but about time. I don't want to waste my free time going to and from places in 2x/3x the time it takes by car.
    - runako 4y ago
      > in a short time someone will reply here to tell you how they brought their kids to kindergarten in subzero temperatures with a bike, or how they bike half an hour in rain to buy groceries... Fully expecting that comment, and I look forward to that person describing how they take an elderly parent to the doctor on a bike…
      - mantas 4y ago
        CARGO BIKE /s
        Xylakant 4y ago
        You’re being sarcastic, but I’ve been there and done that. For $reasons. Under other circumstances, the answer would be “take a cab.”

_dain_ 4y ago

Those cities have extensive networks of local rail, subway, trams, and buses. So "the other side of town" is easily reachable.

moffkalast 4y ago
And you again need to figure out and get whatever local card or ticket or app they decided to use to pay for all that, because there is zero standardization, which adds even more financial overhead assuming you're only visiting once, plus figuring out the timetable and route plan so you don't end up on the completely opposite end. Lots of "Oh wait, you were supposed to take the #15 bus, but this is a #15B which doesn't go to your station because fuck you" moments. Remember, this mess is trying to directly compete with just looking at a satnav and driving where it says with no extra charge, lost time, or mental effort.
- bluGill 4y ago
  Transit agencies should come up with a reciprocity plan. You don't live here, but you have have a monthly pass for the city you live in so I'll let you ride my system for a week - or if system prices are too different pro-rate your time so you get a great discount. Note that a large part of the above is I think transit agencies should try to get as many people as possible on unlimited ride family passes. Anyone with such a pass must find transit useful enough to use often anyway, and the pass means they don't worry about making one additional trip they just go.
  - johnwalkr 4y ago
    Large cities don’t usually have one unlimited monthly plan, you pay for your specific route or zone(s).
    - bluGill 4y ago
      I'm fine with zones, though I think cites get them wrong. The lowest cost zone should include your house, no matter where you live, with additional zones for getting farther away. When traveling your hotel should be how your zone is defined (or where ever you stay). But you should always strive to have everyone on an unlimited rides pass for their home zone. Anything else encourages getting a car for trips that could go either way and that in turn justifies a car for everything.
- Telluur 4y ago
  > because there is zero standardization For the Netherlands, you could not be more wrong. By law, all public transport companies for Trains, Metro, Tram, Bus, Watertaxies are hooked into the exact same NFC payment platform, the OV-chipkaart. Recently, they rolled out debit/credit card payments on these readers nation-wide. Additionally, all public transportation companies provide standardized service information including live updates (often required by the law). Any journey can be fully planned on 9292.nl.
  - moffkalast 4y ago
    Good thing the only country that exists is the Netherlands and nobody ever ventures outside of it. I do hope there is an eventual push for an EU-wide NFC system for public transport, that would be pretty dope.

david-gpu 4y ago

Bike sharing services are great in those situations. You don't even need to carry your bike in the train. There is also public transit like trams and buses.

runako 4y ago
Gentle reminder that a significant portion of society is not able to carry out trips on bikes due to infirmity, disability, or needing to convey someone who cannot bike (e.g. small children).
- nostromo123 4y ago
  I agree, but in a short time someone will reply here to tell you how they brought their kids to kindergarten in subzero temperatures with a bike, or how they bike half an hour in rain to buy groceries... For my family it's not even about the physical aspect, but about time. I don't want to waste my free time going to and from places in 2x/3x the time it takes by car.
  - runako 4y ago
    > in a short time someone will reply here to tell you how they brought their kids to kindergarten in subzero temperatures with a bike, or how they bike half an hour in rain to buy groceries... Fully expecting that comment, and I look forward to that person describing how they take an elderly parent to the doctor on a bike…
    - mantas 4y ago
      CARGO BIKE /s
      - Xylakant 4y ago
        You’re being sarcastic, but I’ve been there and done that. For $reasons. Under other circumstances, the answer would be “take a cab.”