https://youtu.be/RgMENVKYZDg?feature=shared
“The humble bus often feel like second-rate transit options when compared to the mighty train, but they are actually incredibly flexible and can be great when done right.”
https://youtu.be/RgMENVKYZDg?feature=shared
“The humble bus often feel like second-rate transit options when compared to the mighty train, but they are actually incredibly flexible and can be great when done right.”
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I visited New York in the 90s’ & was shocked how good the bus system was there with a cheap standard fare (think it was 30c) & the grid system allowing you to get to many places just using one up/down & one across.
I especially like the implementation of buses in San Francisco, where they have tram-like power delivery, but the flexibility of deployment and roads of a bus. really helps with the self-absorbed bus lane parkers. hard to match grade separation though, not that it’s the most practical answer for every city.
I was going to say this isn’t necessarily unpopular, but thinking about it I think you’re right and they are very underrated especially when it comes to discussions about public transit on Reddit, which often seem to center on trains.
In my home country, buses are basically a tool for corruption. They have to keep certain politicians happy, or else the bus line to a town gets canceled. When that happens, land values in the area drop. The problem is that bus routes are too flexible, which makes this kind of manipulation possible.
How do you fix problems like that?
The buses where I am (including select inter-city buses) are free and have been since COVID started. The routes mostly aren’t as intuitive as the bus system I was in before I moved, but even still, them being completely free is a game changer. I do kind of miss riding the bus and that’s a big reason why.
Random bus-related song: Mr. Bus Driver by Masta Ace.
i live in calgary with some of the best bus transit anywhere. its pretty neat. and its packed in rush hour, so imagine if all of them used cars…
This YouTube channel dedicated to public transit and urbanism actually just posted a video on why trams are better than buses.
https://youtu.be/bNTg9EX7MLw?si=fnc7LkOZrOqnaXvb
One of the biggest reasons is that buses require roads, which make large swathes of land inaccessible for walking. Cities that utilize trams more than buses tend to have much more walkable and inviting urban areas.
Additionally, a well designed tram is easier to board with a wheelchair, luggage, or anything else with wheels.
They’re also more efficient.