Birmingham transit options??? (buses, train, assault)

[TimCity2000]

^link to article?

[bhamoutlook]

Oops!

I never realized how dumb our cities are until I saw what a smart one looks like.

[bhamguy]

This was a great video to watch, for our metro leaders to take note. The idea of the suspended gondolas have crossed my mind many times. Imagine crossing Red Mountain in one of these. Perhaps at 20th street to The Vulcan area or Forest Park to English Village/the zoo!

[bhamoutlook]

I totally agree. They're much cheaper than rail and more exciting. The only drawback I've heard of is that they're not much faster than buses. However, speed isn't the only reason to consider something like this. Regularity is important. It's expensive to have buses running every 5-10 minutes. Something we aren't doing right now. So, while these might be about the same speed as buses, the frequency is increased. Also, for whatever reason, I think wealthier people would be more likely to ride these. I really don't get it, but so many people have problems with buses. The last thing is, this could also promote some tourism. All of a sudden, our zoo becomes more than a zoo. It's a zoo that you get to by a gondola lift. We would be one of very few cities in the world who use this for public transit.

[preguntas]

Something of this nature could work in some places in the DT valley but most other areas of the inner city just could not overcome the rejection by residents. Who would want something of this nature running over your neighborhood as in the video.

What few cities that have something of this nature are running these lines over what Americans would consider 'run down areas'. (it seems ideal for a mountainous Latin American city, but the standards are quite different)

From another perspective; it seems a lot better with our broad street grid to have a fully developed circulator system for people to have almost continual access to mobility while still being able to decide to hop off for lunch or some other diversion that has been noticed.
The Latin American city is obviously dealing with terrain and a large area that people want to rise above, instead of being drawn into.

[bhamoutlook]

Originally Posted by preguntas

Something of this nature could work in some places in the DT valley but most other areas of the inner city just could not overcome the rejection by residents. Who would want something of this nature running over your neighborhood as in the video.

What few cities that have something of this nature are running these lines over what Americans would consider 'run down areas'. (it seems ideal for a mountainous Latin American city, but the standards are quite different)

From another perspective; it seems a lot better with our broad street grid to have a fully developed circulator system for people to have almost continual access to mobility while still being able to decide to hop off for lunch or some other diversion that has been noticed.
The Latin American city is obviously dealing with terrain and a large area that people want to rise above, instead of being drawn into.

You make a lot of great points. I know that these things cause a lot of controversy when there is talk of it going over a neighborhood. It is also commonly disputed whether or not these things solve any "real transit problem" other than the last mile issue. In Birmingham, the entire system needs to be revamped so the last mile isn't even a concern yet. However, it does still have some transit benefit and doesn't necessarily have to be routed over any housing. Given the relatively cheap cost of building it, even for novelty it may be worth it for the city.

[preguntas]

I agree that it would be a delight to have as an attraction that serves usefulness. As opposed to all the cities throwing up big wheels.

I am excited about the new circulator system. And especially getting rid of the cutesy mock streetcar look. I hope they will be something like the electric ones in Chattanooga. And while I am at it I would like to point out how totally ugly the UAB Transit buses are. (they look like farm to market to me) And yet they run so well and carry so many.

[Tourian]

I'm glad you said that. I hate the fake trolley car look too. Just make them sleek modern looking busses that do their job as effeciently as possible. A nice livery doesn't hurt either.

[bhamoutlook]

Originally Posted by Tourian

I'm glad you said that. I hate the fake trolley car look too. Just make them sleek modern looking busses that do their job as effeciently as possible. A nice livery doesn't hurt either.

I make fun of the fake trolley all the time... Especially when friends are in town who have never been here. It's just a slap in the face to remind us that the real trolley system was removed.

[projectmaximus]

Originally Posted by bhamoutlook

Oops!

I never realized how dumb our cities are until I saw what a smart one looks like.

Other cities in the US have done this to some degree and are considering more. Seattle News and Events | Gondola Fever: What Seattle Can Learn From The

Originally Posted by bhamoutlook

I make fun of the fake trolley all the time... Especially when friends are in town who have never been here. It's just a slap in the face to remind us that the real trolley system was removed.

Yeah a lot of the real transit folks complain about it in Jax too. For the same reason.