“One million new motor vehicles sales in a country of 21 million people is an impressive achievement by the Australian automotive industry – and ranks as one of the highest rates of new car purchase in the developed world. The Australian motor vehicle market has now grown in six out of the last seven years, driven by the strength of the labour market, rising asset values and improving vehicle affordability,” said FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar.

Just imagine how well these marketing teams would go selling things that could actually improve our chances on this planet!!!

Transport has been viewed as a means to overcome space (or the distance between things). In order to overcome this space, it is necessary to spend some time in motion. So transport became associated with time and motion. Time being a very precious commodity in our short little lives, became a bit of a preoccupation – how do we overcome this “lost” time in transport.

Below, I have a few little diagrams to show some of the ways we have conventionally dealt with this “problem”. It is important to remember that transport is a constantly evolving system with many complex feedback loops with a dependence on individuals’ behaviour – therefore, it can be very unpredictable. It is clear that there will be always side effects.

Dealing with time by trying to speed up the transport

Dealing with time using communication tools

Dealing with time by decreasing the distance

Dealing with time by using the time

]]> http://www.transport-impacts.com/2008/07/11/time-space-and-motion/feed/ http://www.transport-impacts.com/2008/06/24/some-times-a-picture-tells-it-all/ http://www.transport-impacts.com/2008/06/24/some-times-a-picture-tells-it-all/#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:35:28 +0000 jacqui http://www.transport-impacts.com/?p=55

Source - Cycling in Muenster

This is what the German study shows about how much space we use:

* Bicycle: 72 people are transported on 72 bikes, which requires 90 square meters.
* Car: Based on an average occupancy of 1.2 people per car, 60 cars are needed to transport 72 people, which takes 1,000 square meters.
* Bus: 72 people can be transported on 1 bus, which only requires 30 square meters of space and no permanent parking space, since it can be parked elsewhere.

Being well informed can be the difference between a pleasant journey and the commute from Hell.

I thought I would throw out everything I can that might help you make it from A to B easier, this will include suggestions as to potential avenues for better information on our transportation systems (you can let me know what you think of these ideas and tell me yours).

This will be a little bit specific for Sydney but if you would like to give me information about other cities I will try and set it up.  This post is not designed to sway the way you choose to travel, just make the way you travel more efficient and hassle free.

Basically you would like to be informed of different aspects at the appropriate times:

1. Before you even think about transporting yourself, you might need to acquire some skills, being educated in how to appropriately use a mode of transport in a comfortable and safe manner

2. When you are deciding what means of transportation you would like to take – this could either be for your routine commutes or for a one-off journey – a comparison between different alternatives in terms of different attributes and burdens

3. When you are working out the timing of the journey – how long it will it take, how to minimize waiting times (optimize connections) and travel times (using express services, direct services)

4. At the time of travel – a more precise update of the exact timing and routing of the service (which increases your efficiency, comfort and feeling of control)

We will look at these four requirements of information, how they can be satisfied, what is the state of information distribution in Sydney and how we can improve.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

1. While you are not required to be in control of a vehicle, there are some protocols for public transport systems which are not all the same for all systems, such as when to pay, how to pass through different barriers, how to hail down a bus, how to buy the right ticket and how to display appropriate etiquette towards other passengers. There is very little educational information for commuters except for the occasional campaign for safer conduct and information on the internet (for buses click here, for trains click here). There is minimal signage once in train stations or at the bus stops in Sydney (except for major stops) to help people understand the protocols – it is assumed knowledge.

2. The infoline gives information on the cost (not always clearly for buses), time, and possible options for different modes (phone 131500). It also displays the timetables and maps for routes, with links to State Transit Authority (STA) – manages Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries, while Cityrail – manages the urban and regional train services. However, there is no publicly available tool to help people find out what are the impacts of there travel, and there is no direct comparison with other transportation options

3. In Sydney, the infoline provides a trip planning tool by entering the origin, destination, time of travel (arrival or departure) and what you wish to optimize along with other preferences (fastest or minimum changes, no buses or ferries etc.)

4. The aspect of giving commuters on the spot knowledge is greatly lacking in Sydney. While the infoline services are available from mobile phones, this is not real-times (up to the minute) information and can be tedious to access.

TRAINS - A number of train stations have real-time next train services at the entrance and on the platforms of the train, with a list of stations. This is accompanied by a voice over, indicating the destination of trains arriving on different platforms. Maps and timetables can also usually be found, even in smaller stations. In the trains there are often maps of the network and occasionally the train conductor announces the next stop. There is potential to display more information at train stations with arrows between platforms with simple displays (I found the Paris Metro much better at directed me between trains).

BUSES – In my opinion, Sydney buses are so deficient in user information, you need to carry around your own GPS and a guide to every service you might require in order to feel comfortable. The numbering system of the buses is complicated and does not directly describe the route in detail. While some major stops display destination information, very few show route maps and most show nothing except for the bus numbers. Once you are on the bus, you rely on being familiar with the approach to your stop in order to know when to press stop or asking the bus driver or other passengers for indication. I would love to see better maps and directions at every bus stop - particularly ones with shelters where there is space for this - some kind of indication of time to different destinations also orientates people.  In the buses, some simple removable route maps situated so they are visible for most passengers, which indicate major cross roads, suburbs and bus stops (possibly with where there are connections to different routes).

CYCLING

1. Learning to cycle is vital if you choose to use a bike to get around. While most people learn as children, it can be very daunting and difficult for adults to learn to ride a bike. Avenues for learning this skill should be made highly accessible and as unintimidating as possible - click here for some tips. Once you have learnt to cycle, it can still be a big step to feel comfortable riding on the road (especially in Sydney). Some different steps to take this plunge are:

· Learning the road rules and responsibilities for cyclists (through the RTA)

· Look up your local Bicycle User Group (BUG) (see links page) as well as your local council and see what initiatives they have running, such as

• Bicycle maintenance courses
• Courses for commuting in the city
• Bikebus groups (a group of commuters riding together daily)
• Maps with bicycle paths and appropriate safe routes for cyclists
• Social group rides as well as Critical Mass
• People who are willing to give you advice or take you on a tour
• Your work mates or friends may be able to advise you or may be able to ride with you
• If you visit a bike friendly city, take the opportunity to ride on the road
• Look for tips on the internet - I recommend you try this website
• If all else fails, contact me

The other important step for preparing to cycle is buying an appropriate bike and the accessories. Most little bike shops will be quite helpful in letting you know the features of different bikes and giving you advice on what kind of bike might suit your needs.

There are initiatives in other countries which could be interesting for Australia. These include bicycle education at school, video games or a simulation of cycling to familiarize children with the hazards on the road and appropriate conduct. There is also closure of roads to cars on weekends so that people can cycle on the road hassle-free. Traffic calming and better cycling infrastructure and culture also help people feel comfortable as a cyclist on the road.

2. There are web pages which weigh up the benefits and costs of cycling in comparison with other modes (see links page). In regards to looking at times between different locations, the routes on the website www.bikely.com often provide times. Also, you can assume that you cycle around 15 km/h (give a bit if experienced and take a bit if you’re a beginner) and calculate by the trip distance.

3. When planning your route, there are a number of maps with bike routes supplied by the RTA and local governments. There is a website in which commuters put the routes they use with tags such as “safe”, “low traffic”, “back streets” etc. see details. There are also a number of books including BikeIt Sydney, which is a directory of connected cycle friendly streets and paths. In Germany, they have introduced a trip planner for cyclists, which is calculates the most appropriate path for you after you enter the origin, destination and preferences see details.

4. There is very little information for cyclists on the commute. Personal maps or GPS can help you orientate yourself. There is some signage, but this often lacks continuity and they are usually quite discrete. Maps in the streets for cyclists are very limited. Other countries excel in way-finding displays. In regards to commuter information, towns in Denmark even have a series of lights on bollards, which indicate the speed you should travel in order to stay in sync with the green wave (we are far from Odense’s system).

CARS

I guess car drivers are pretty well catered for with everything from the procedures to acquire your driver’s licence to the plethora of signs and inbuilt GPS systems. I will add the details here if enough people ask me.

I thought I’d make a list of things that I do while taking different modes of transport - please feel free to let me know your secrets and I’ll add them to the lists.

Waiting for the bus or train

• Juggle and play with devil sticks (funny sticks that you kinda juggle with)
• Knit (if you can get a seat)
• Read
• Dance to my MP3 player (when nobody is watching)
• Chat to strangers (note - not everyone likes chatting so be wary)
• Walk up and down the platform
• Bet with other patrons on how late the bus will be (I don’t normally endorse gambling)

On the train

• Get my laptop out and work
• Read
• Knit
• Draw, write
• Think about what I can cook for dinner
• Sleep
• People-watch

On the bus

• Knit (if not too close to the next person)
• Clean out my wallet or bag (if you have the space)
• Sleep
• Think about how to improve the bus system
• Chat to someone (often about how to improve the bus system)

On my bike

• Practise my French speaking (any language works) - I try to philosophize out loud in French
• Learn new tricks on my bike
• Sing in loud traffic (so no one can hear me)
• Chat to other cyclists about how lucky we are to be cycling
• Get fit (or justify eating more chocolate)
• Smile

In the elevator

• Practise capoeira moves (when I’m alone)
• Occasionally chat - but not too often
• Watch how people avoid eye contact with each other and stare at the door
• Stare at the door

To give you a little background, I have been reading about the proportion of different types of road accidents that result in injuries or fatalities. This means that the statistics haven’t included lots and lots of relatively minor collisions.

It makes me wonder how I could actually find out real information and the only way I know how is to ask. I thought I would ask you to let me know of your experiences - how many collisions have you had? were they reported?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

I can hear you saying “The car is the only way to get everything where I need to go”. It is a pretty valid point but I hope to try and help change this with some ideas about how to make it easier to use alternative transport. Some of these ideas that come to my mind are

Take a “granny” shopping cart and walk or take public transport to the shop

You may not feel like the coolest kid in the supermarket walking around with your shopping cart - but hey, it’s a supermarket not a night club. And for all you fashion victims, they do it Paris. You can buy ones that fold up and are all different shapes and sizes. I think you can get them for under $20. They are so practical and will save your arms and you can use it instead of the growing pile of green bags.

Get a rack and panniers for your bike (or even just a basket)

Putting the load on the wheels instead of your back can make a huge difference. There are a range of panniers (saddlebags) that you can buy. Some can be quite dear ($200+ per pair) but they will last and serve you well (they are better than 200 green bags). There are others that are about half this price. If you are not prepared to splurge, you can always get a basket or milk crate and tie it onto your rack. Be creative, but make sure it’s secure.

Limit the number of “big shops”

If you are going to do a car shop, try and buy all the non-perishable foods you’ll need in a while. If you can incorporate this trip with another, that’s even better. When it comes to buying your perishables, try and go to more local shops - you might even rediscover your local fruit and veg shop and make friends with the shopkeeper. (I find that the supermarkets are often just as expensive for fruit and vegetables, the produce isn’t as tasty and you can waste a lot of time queuing.)

Think a little about what you really need

Often people have become complacent, as they can fit a whole boot load of stuff into their car. Spend a minute to decide what is necessary for the day or what you might be able to leave at work. Even if you are driving you should do this, as extra weight means extra fuel. You will feel lighter and freer!!!

Carry your load as comfortably as you can

Try to avoid awkward bags - I know I have sometimes craved a backpack or at least a bag with a shoulder strap as I have walked along with a bag hitting my knees. Work out how you can best fit your bag into the bus with you, without feeling like you are caving through bags to sit down. You’ll work it out.

Hope this helps. If you have any more ideas - I’m keen to hear them and I’ll add them to mine.

To start with, let’s look at the name – automobile – it implies a certain self-sustaining property. As we are becoming all too aware of with peak oil, the huge costs of roads and car parks and global warning: this is far from reality! Same goes with people – we have created a society where we don’t see our direct impacts on the world and so we start to feel slightly autonomous. This illusion is scary as we create an unwarranted security and keep living and driving detached from our surroundings.

When we look at individual cars they seem rather harmless and a pretty useful tool for getting around. Most people also seem pretty harmless, good natured and can occasionally be useful and/or intelligent. However, when we start having collections of these creatures we soon run into all sorts of problems.

What keeps cars going strong when all research is pointing to there inefficiency? It is the collectivity of people, just as cars keep us going. People and cars have become an inseparable pair – a beautiful symbiotic relationship that is thriving. We drive cars and cars drive us. There is one little problem – this pair has become a big parasite for all other modes of transport, living things, non-living things and space itself…

Is it a co-incidence that the obesity epidemic and flourish in the popularity of the fat SUV are both occurring simultaneously? Look at the countries where this phenomenon is happening – Australia, America and Canada – the fattest people in the world driving the fattest cars. Meanwhile over in Europe they are staying slim in the little minis.

Now an interesting dilemma has come into play. Who are we prepared to feed first, people or their cars? With the introduction of biofuels, finally cars and the people who drive cars are having to compete against each other (however, the sad fact is, that it’s the people in developing countries with no car access that are losing out to the car for food).

While all these points are quaint and ironic, the situation is quite deep and serious. The psychological attachment of the drive to the vehicle is strong.

“The halo effect of travel by car is such that the properties of the car are seen to be transferred to the traveler. Thus, whilst traveling by car, the traveler is seen, by others and by their self, to embody the features [of the car]” (Kenyon and Lyons 2003).

If we are to tackle the overuse of cars in our society, we are not only going to have to improve the alternatives but we are going to have to sever this bond and convince people that they are not the car they drive!

Kenyon, S. and G. Lyons (2003). “The value of integrated multimodal traveller information and its potential contribution to modal change.” Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 6(1): 1-21.

I am not going to talk about any of the “hot topics” such as how it is impossible to see an equivalence between different things which provide different services that cannot replace each other. Or indeed, not being able to put a price on resources and pollutions which have limits that could lead to disaster (with a lot of uncertainty surrounding these limits to add to the confusion). Instead, I am going to bring up a topic that I don’t think is given enough thought - What are all the things that have happened in the past to make the prices of things what they are today????

I am neither an economist nor a historian, so I am just pretending to be an expert. But as far as I know, it’s really important to look at what has happened in the past to understand where we are at and why the price of things are what they are.

From what I have seen, the automotive industry has been powerful and “progressive” from its conception. From the Ford production line to the highly productive Toyota supply chain management and quality management systems, they have been leading the way in efficient manufacturing. Road construction has also been quite an influential industry with a huge amount of development and then there’s the oil industry!!! Whereas passenger train services and other public transport, cycling and walking services, particularly in Australia and America, have had to take a back step (or have been given a good nudge back by the automotive industry).

So we have a situation where the production and construction of the things to make cars go is streamline, well-researched with refined systems to facilitate the growth of this industry. The past government expenditure on road infrastructure has also helped the private vehicle option become as “viable” as it is today. Competing against this industry in every “cost-benefit analysis” is the much undeveloped industries of alternative transport, where there is a lot of room for improvement in manufacturing, construction and systems efficiency.

How dare we compare the price of these two options so simply? It is like comparing the effort involved in making a rich mud cake (not that I think cars are as good as mud cake) from a packet mix to making basic bread from scratch without a recipe or the right tools. Everything has been researched and set-up to make the cake simple and effortless just as everything is set up to make car manufacturing and distribution simple and perversely cheap. Meanwhile the bread maker or the alternative transport provider has not benefited from such research and development, and is left plodding along in the dark.

So that’s the past, what about the future? Due to this lack of development of the alternative modes of transport, surely there is a lot more room for “cheaper” improvement for these transport options. Of course there are, but these don’t seem to get factored into decision making - neither on an individual level nor a policy making level.

Let’s take for an example, the source of electricity for the Sydney suburban train network. If one was to look at the carbon dioxide emissions from private vehicles compared to a train, the savings from catching the train would not be amazing. However, the effort required to change the electricity production for the train system from coal-fired power stations to renewable energy would add a minimal cost to the service. Alas, to improve car systems to run on renewable (or at least non-emitting) sources of energy requires a HUGE amount of effort.

Nothing is still - everything is moving, everything has come from somewhere in the past and is going somewhere in the future. Why do we spend so long analyzing the price of things in the present?

One other little subject that I’d like to raise is that I believe this extends to the public’s attitude towards transport. For many years, we have been pounded with advertising from car industries. This has all accumulated in our little heads (even if we pretend it hasn’t) to make us desire the life on the road. When the best efforts from the rail industry were the “keep training sydney” campaign, this hardly inspires a surge of enthusiasm for public transport, but sounds like a desperate cry of a dying industry. Luckily, these attitudes aren’t fixed. While there is a lot of “de-marketing” of the car (undoing the manipulation of the car industries) and marketing of alternative transport modes to be done, I feel it is possible to wake up the public from their automotive dreaming.

I don’t think I am going out on a limb here when I say most of us are not too fond of traffic. In fact, I’ve never met anyone who got excited about driving through areas of dense traffic (except for the occasional suicidal cyclist who enjoys weaving through the cars). I’m safely going to assume that you feel the same.

Why do we hate traffic - it slows us down, we lose control as to when we will get to our destination, we lose the freedom to drive how we would like, we see the fumes from the car in front. We know that in all those other cars are people who are competing with you for space on the road.

But hang on….we love our cars - symbols of freedom, control, speed and independence.

So what do we love and what do we hate?????

This left me understandably bewildered. Do we not realize that we are part of the traffic? Did we invent the word traffic, so that we didn’t have to say I hate cars? After all, that’s all traffic is!!!!!

Maybe I’m missing something. I guess I’ll just keep weaving around the traffic on my bicycle until someone can enlighten me.