– Star Wars: The Subway Ride

A person dressed as a Star Wars character travels on the Santiago subway May 7, 2009, during “Star Wars: The Exhibition”. The exhibition displays over 250 original items from the Star Wars movies. REUTERS/Victor Ruiz Caballero

PODCARS – A Personal Rapid Transit primer

Seattle Transportation Examiner

United States

By David Gow

This year has seen an increasing stream of news, Examiner.com included, about the mass transit alternative concept Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) — also known as “podcars.”

Stories on podcars are usually followed by discussions among readers speculating about what PRT is, how it would work, or why is it needed. Answers tend not to resolve their questions to any great satisfaction.

I have some insights into the subject, having observed PRT development for nearly twenty years. Wider public understanding is needed about PRT, because there are two PRT projects that are to begin operating soon — short initial phases of what could become larger PRT-based transit networks.  In the next few years, your community could start thinking about adding PRT to existing transit services, and your thumbs-up or thumbs-down needs to be an informed one.

All concrete – where’s the park?

 

photo stuart matthews

Here was a great opportunity to beautify the new SkyTrain station area at Broadway and Cambie, and what happens? Concrete and more concrete. Just ugly, even with the few shrubs to be planted here and there.

– TransLink’s Idea of Comfort

All-steel construction seat. Ouch!

– Canada Line Opens

Broadway - City Hall Station Opening - photo stuart matthews

After spending tens of thousands of dollars on the new interior signage system, no one thought to make signs for the opening. Typical poor planning. photo stuart matthews

Incorrect signage. The Canada Line does not directly connect to the Waterfront skytrain station.