This blog reports on a paradox in US public policy: although the nation has first-world status in science/technology, its leadership is mathematically-illiterate and/or corrupt. This paradox is most evident in the transportation sector — and especially mega-projects. Common themes in these postings include: non-invented-here syndrome, risk perception, and industry best-practices.
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Pages
There’s a question that’s being raised on Streetsblog NYC, about bike lane standards, that I thought you might be able to answer. Are there any studies about the comparative effectiveness of bike lanes on two-way roads, versus one-way pairs à la the Manhattan avenues? It’s in the East Harlem bike lanes thread, if you’re interested.
What’s the story on the DC Metro trains stacked on one another in the header graphic for your blog?
Hey, have you considered doing posts about overengineering on the East Coast? For example, have you seen the Northeast HSR plan? They want to drill a tunnel right under Philadelphia’s urban core!
@Evan — it’s the 2004 Woodley Park collision, if I’m not mistaken. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22466-2004Nov3.html
FYI – there’s a group of Bay Area bloggers (Eric Fischer, Transbay, I think Steve Boland of SFCityscape…) are coming to Moylan’s in Novato on Dec. 29th at 6pm. Come out if you can.
check this one one on FRA train standards…
http://nextcity.org/theworks/entry/modern-european-train-designs-american-tracks-2015-fra
Here is a candidate. Translink spends 4.5 Million on a parking lot that no transit users use
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/translink-s-new-4-5m-surrey-park-and-ride-lot-empty-1.2497799
Store candidate in the ongoing saga that is “Berkeley” http://www.berkeleyside.com/2014/05/14/starbucks-plans-to-open-fourth-berkeley-store-after-all/
The phrase “mathematically-illiterate” is incorrect; it should be “mathematically illiterate.” The word mathematically is an adverb, so it can modify illiterate, which is an adjective; it shouldn’t be joined with illiterate via a hyphen.
Blog fodder: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/amtrak/news/FRA-considers-granting-Buy-America-waiver-to-Amtrak-California-rail-authority-for-train-prototypes–42800
OK to perform final assembly abroad, but only using US-made components!
Very interesting blog. There are a lot of issues with transportation that you point out. Here in Florida we’re not much better than California…
http://www.sgvtribune.com/government-and-politics/20160602/is-metros-500-million-bus-contract-really-creating-jobs-this-group-is-going-to-court-to-find-out
This might be the same organization behind the decision to not allow Kiniko Sharyo to build a factory in the LA area to assemble LR vehicles. If they have their way the only buses available to transit agencies would probably be Gillig.
It is interesting that the Sierra Club is a member of this organization that seeks to ensure that transit agencies buy more expensive, less fuel efficient designs.
I love your work! Do you have a twitter account that posts when new articles get posted?
Check out this new greenwashing spot by Verizon:
What laughable BS: “Who knew asphalt could help save the environment?”
Meanwhile, the video explains that it’s really about sensors (which happen to be embedded in asphalt) and data collection. The video also shows what appear to be pole-mounted sensors and/or sensor relays … so they could just as well have said: “Who knew poles could help save the environment?”
Plus, doesn’t allowing the movement of more cars just negate all the environmental benefits?