The Florida Department of Transportation has issued a new document entitled Accessing Transit:Design Handbook for Florida Bus Passenger Facilities. At 176 well-illustrated pages, I have yet to dive into this one, but from a quick skim it looks to offer something for every bus transit geek. Download it here.
Looking internationally to, um, Canada, the University of British Columbia released A Cost Comparison of Transit Modes. Their research found that of all major modes of transportation, excluding bicycling or walking, modern trams (streetcars) are the most cost effective transit investment dollar, as well as the most environmentally friendly. Click here for a nice, well-illustrated synopsis of their work.
Miami’s streetcar can’t come soon enough…
What is the status of the Miami Streetcar? Is it still being worked on, is it getting ahead or has it been scrapped?
According to a 2007 update on the linked website, the streetcar is progressing. Someone else would probably have a better idea on the most current status. Emperor Tomato? Gabriel?
Why the “um” before Canada. UBC is one of the top 20 universities in the world and Vancouver has had a world class transportation system since the “80’s. That’s what happens when you have socialist leanings. Your tax dollar is used for you. Health care is a right, not a luxury. Your infrastructure is maintained. Public transportation goes where the people go. The elderly are taken care of. For putting people first, we should always be looking at Canada.
Not a knock against Canada! I was just making a play on my own use of “international.” When I think of Canada, I don’t necessarily think of it as being international per se, more like a friendly neighbor.