Comments on: Buses from the future http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/ Reflections on social democracy, economics, the media, and spin in an age of incorrigible cynicism. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:29:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Guy http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-259 Guy Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:06:19 +0000 http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-259 I think the harsh reality is that it is quite difficult for governments to solely fund large public infrastructure projects today. Depending on the conditions of the arrangement and the extent of the regulation in place, I personally am not ideologically opposed to public transportation systems being partially, or in some circumstances, wholly privatised. Of course, the government still needs to put a big effort into making sure such projects are done properly. The NSW Government's record in this respect over the last decade has unfortunately been fairly poor. I think the harsh reality is that it is quite difficult for governments to solely fund large public infrastructure projects today. Depending on the conditions of the arrangement and the extent of the regulation in place, I personally am not ideologically opposed to public transportation systems being partially, or in some circumstances, wholly privatised.

Of course, the government still needs to put a big effort into making sure such projects are done properly. The NSW Government’s record in this respect over the last decade has unfortunately been fairly poor.

]]> By: Matthew Gee Kwun Chan http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-254 Matthew Gee Kwun Chan Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:41:44 +0000 http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-254 Should the private sector get involve in both funding and/or the management of public transport systems? Should the private sector get involve in both funding and/or the management of public transport systems?

]]> By: Guy http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-166 Guy Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:56:41 +0000 http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-166 Matthew, on your points: 1/2) Yes, very true. It would be very useful for those with some form of visual impairment. I am short-sighted but I guess that doesn't really quite count. In any case, I find the announcements more useful than annoying. 3) The speaker output seems to be from a single location on the bus from memory, and they make the announcement on the approach to a stop. (e.g. the name of the stop will be stated over the speaker as the bus approaches the stop). I can't recall if there is any announcement when the doors open or close - I don't think there is. Matthew, on your points:

1/2) Yes, very true. It would be very useful for those with some form of visual impairment. I am short-sighted but I guess that doesn’t really quite count. In any case, I find the announcements more useful than annoying.

3) The speaker output seems to be from a single location on the bus from memory, and they make the announcement on the approach to a stop. (e.g. the name of the stop will be stated over the speaker as the bus approaches the stop). I can’t recall if there is any announcement when the doors open or close - I don’t think there is.

]]> By: Matthew Gee Kwun Chan http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-165 Matthew Gee Kwun Chan Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:27:13 +0000 http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-165 1. Audible messages about the name of stop for bus or train is currently at would give visually impaired persons greater independence. 2. the vip-l email list now and again post about situations where there are buses with audible announcements internationally with some concerns, so the obvious question would be how to apply it appropriately. 3. Where do they place the speaker output, when do they make the announcements (on opening or on closing doors), how loud the announcement? is 1. Audible messages about the name of stop for bus or train is currently at would give visually impaired persons greater independence.
2. the vip-l email list now and again post about situations where there are buses with audible announcements internationally with some concerns, so the obvious question would be how to apply it appropriately.
3. Where do they place the speaker output, when do they make the announcements (on opening or on closing doors), how loud the announcement? is

]]> By: Stilgherrian · In Finland, they go buses good! http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-163 Stilgherrian · In Finland, they go buses good! Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:44:32 +0000 http://guyberes.com/2008/02/28/buses-from-the-future/#comment-163 [...] Finland makes out buses look crap, as well as our phones: “Every bus and tram in Helsinki and the surrounding cities of Vaanta and Espoo are being fitted with Linux servers and GPS units. Every bus and tram in the conurbation will not only become a wireless hotspot serving broadband internet throughout the vehicle — for free — but every bus and tram is visible on a Google map (the beta version is at tinyurl.com/2gftso) that uses the same real-time passenger information as the controllers in their command centre.” Hat-tip to Guy Beres. [...] […] Finland makes out buses look crap, as well as our phones: “Every bus and tram in Helsinki and the surrounding cities of Vaanta and Espoo are being fitted with Linux servers and GPS units. Every bus and tram in the conurbation will not only become a wireless hotspot serving broadband internet throughout the vehicle — for free — but every bus and tram is visible on a Google map (the beta version is at tinyurl.com/2gftso) that uses the same real-time passenger information as the controllers in their command centre.” Hat-tip to Guy Beres. […]

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