The real story behind America's streetcar demise (city hall, home)

[jsvh]

If you think cars are the pinnacle of human achievement, great. No body is stopping you.

The problem, and what the original article gets into some, is that there have been (and are) deliberate and accidental efforts to encourage more people to drive some by sabotaging other alternatives. Streetcars and transit as a whole should be a fair option available to people along side the automobile.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Gulch

Has forming our transportation network to solely cater to the automobile really been an improvement?

Not in my opinion. Cars are hard to beat when it comes to convenience and flexibility, but I'd like to see more balance in our transportation system. In many areas walking is becoming a viable option. And I'd love to see people get over their hangups about the bus.

[ElleKaye]

My only experience with streetcars was in New Orleans. The set-up on "the middle ground" pretty much did not allow cars to take the tracks.

From the article:
"The real problem was that once cars appeared on the road, they could drive on streetcar tracks — and the streetcars could no longer operate efficiently. "Once just 10 percent or so of people were driving, the tracks were so crowded that [the streetcars] weren't making their schedules," Norton says."

Admittedly, I feel hesitant about driving around the area with the streetcar in Atlanta.because it does ot seem to have clear boundaries.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Not in my opinion. Cars are hard to beat when it comes to convenience and flexibility, but I'd like to see more balance in our transportation system. In many areas walking is becoming a viable option. And I'd love to see people get over their hangups about the bus.

Walking offers the ultimate flexibility and freedom.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by ElleKaye

My only experience with streetcars was in New Orleans. The set-up on "the middle ground" pretty much did not allow cars to take the tracks.

From the article:
"The real problem was that once cars appeared on the road, they could drive on streetcar tracks — and the streetcars could no longer operate efficiently. "Once just 10 percent or so of people were driving, the tracks were so crowded that [the streetcars] weren't making their schedules," Norton says."

Admittedly, I feel hesitant about driving around the area with the streetcar in Atlanta.because it does ot seem to have clear boundaries.

Don't park outside the white lines, treat the streetcar as a bus. It has rear lights, turn signals, head lights, it follows all traffic laws.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Walking offers the ultimate flexibility and freedom.

It is very handy over reasonable distances when good infrastructure is in place.

I am strongly in favor of it for millennials. Let them put that leg power to use instead of sitting around in coffee shops staring at their smartphones.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by arjay57

It is very handy over reasonable distances when good infrastructure is in place.

I am strongly in favor of it for millennials. Let them put that leg power to use instead of sitting around in coffee shops staring at their smartphones.

Bicycles offer great flexibility and efficiency in travel. I get 2 beers per mile while riding.

[AcidSnake]

And it's healthy.

It's no concidence that America has the reputation of being the fattest and unhealthiest nation on earth. And the Southern region especially reigns supreme as the unhealthiest and most morbidly obese region in the U.S.A.

Any situation that will encourage more exercise out of people should be welcomed not shunned.

My apologies for dogpiling.

Originally Posted by cqholt

Walking offers the ultimate flexibility and freedom.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

And it's healthy.

It's no concidence that America has the reputation of being the fattest and unhealthiest nation on earth. And the Southern region especially reigns supreme as the unhealthiest and most morbidly obese region in the U.S.A.

Any situation that will encourage more exercise out of people should be welcomed not shunned.

My apologies for dogpiling.

Walking is for poor people and those who can't drive a car. Roll Tide!

[AcidSnake]

All I know is I can't see myself marrying a woman that I can't carry, regardless of her class status.

Originally Posted by cqholt

Walking is for poor people and those who can't drive a car. Roll Tide!