Different cars are still cars

A different type of car is not the answer, cars are not the answer. We need to fully fund public transportation and eliminate user fees to get people to use it widely.
Fully funding public transportation is the ONLY way we can give every single person the means to get to work, to school, to fun, to appointments, to recreation.
As I’ve said before, we should invest in excellent public transportation that is:

 

1. Fast
2. Free (to the user)
3. Predictable (schedules available at all stops and on phones)
4. Attractive / Beautiful
5. Clean
6. Frequent (always less than a ten minute wait)
7. Everywhere (less than a ten minute walk from most locations)
8. Efficient (Local and Express)
9. Resourceful (should maximize options of local terrain. Pittsburgh for example could use streetcars, along side ferries and the incline to take advantage of our rivers and hills)
10. and has the right of way against all other modes of travel.

Read more at Reimagine and Urban Paradise

Sixth heat wave - 11 dead - It is time to do something about climate

The Philadelphia area is now in the midst of its sixth heat wave of the season.
The National Weather Service recorded a temperature of 91 degrees before noon at the Philadelphia International Airport.
A heat wave is three days in a row of temperatures of 90 and above. Philly.com

Rendell makes case for action on transportation | AP | 07/21/2010

Rendell makes case for action on transportation | AP | 07/21/2010: "HARRISBURG - Gov. Rendell is trying to drive home the dire condition of Pennsylvania's highways, bridges and mass transit systems.

Rendell testified before the state Senate Transportation Committee today, and blitzed committee members with photos of deteriorating bridges and highways in their districts.

He warned them that those problems will not get fixed without new money, and said that failure to act in the next couple months would mean missing next summer's construction season, too.

The governor is presenting lawmakers with a variety of ideas about how to raise more money, including an increase in the gas tax.

He also says he will undertake a cross-state bus trip in August to illustrate the problem."

Ok. Now let us hear from the anti-tax whiners: "Oh no - you are going to the burden the poor working people -- dependent on their family car --- with taxes." Yes, we ARE burdened. But where are the anti-tax people when tax money is being splurged on their pet sprawl projects and endless road-building. We ARE dependent on the family car. You might even say enslaved by it. But it is time for everyone to stop and ask themselves. Why is that?

The hidden cost of living in the suburbs: Transportation - by Christina Pomoni - Helium

The hidden cost of living in the suburbs: Transportation - by Christina Pomoni - Helium: "Many people consider that living in the suburbs is cheaper than living in the city. This is because the high costs of housing put in the shadow the accessibility to public transportation or other benefits of living in the city. However, when transportation costs are taken into consideration, living in the suburbs is more expensive. In fact, the hidden costs of transportation may increase the cost of living in the suburbs even by 33%."

Are Americans Ready for Nimble Cities? � Reimagine an Urban Paradise

Are Americans Ready for Nimble Cities? � Reimagine an Urban Paradise: "I think the most effective method to change consumption patterns in the U.S. would be to fully fund public transportation with public money. If taking public transportation was free for the user, ridership would grow astronomically. It’s been demonstrated again and again.

Level the mobility playing field. Give everyone the right and the means to get to work, to school, to fun, to appointments, to recreation.

We should invest in excellent public transportation that is:

Fast
Free (to the user)
Predictable (schedules available at all stops and on phones)
Attractive / Beautiful
Clean
Frequent (always less than a ten minute wait)
Everywhere (less than a ten minute walk from most locations)
Efficient (Local and Express)
Resourceful (should maximize options of local terrain. Pittsburgh for example could use streetcars, along side ferries and the incline to take advantage of our rivers and hills)
and has the right of way against all other modes of travel."