this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2023
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Even if you think what you would say is obvious, please add. This is genuinely something I think makes sense regarding local bus routes given the longevity of light rail and how infrequently routes change, but I also suffer from confirmation bias, so I'm hoping for reasons this would be a terrible idea but obviously would prefer reasons it would be an even more amazing idea than I thought.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There is also another alternative: cable car. It's a good way to add public transportation with minimal impact on the existing road layout.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

It's not an either/or thing. Buses are great (if they are well funded) and light rail is also great

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The problem with buses is that most of the fleets are still running on fossil fuels. Buses also produce a shocking amount of waste in used tires. 

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

exactly.

you can't assess the merits of an integrated transport system by arguing which one one mode of transport betters all others.

some places /routes (at some times) might work best with one option.
but most places / routes will be better served by several types at least at some times of day.

buses are one of the most flexible public transport options, fill gaps in space between high capacity modes, and fill gaps in timetables, and they sometimes fill gaps in affordability usually being cheaper.

give them bus lanes and priority at junctions, and they're a lot cheaper and more flexible than trams.

i always think that a busy packed bus lane is making the business case for a train, but filling the gap in the meanwhile. and sometimes a train is impractical.

they didn't only get rid of most of the trams in the uk due to cars wanting more roads. it was also because buses were cheaper and provided much better routes that could flex to travelers needs..

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

I was initially conceiving this point as a venn diagram, but I guess it works like this as well.
(fuck cars/fuck bikes)

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Depends on the road layout; if it's a long straight road then light railway makes sense. It's less maintenance, easier to operate, can move unhindered because it doesn't get stuck in traffic (edit: provided they don't share the roads).

For spaghetti road layouts though, I don't see the benefit, but I could be wrong since I'm no expert.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

We need a whole host of public transit options that are best suited for each circumstance of a given area. I want public transit so smooth that even if you tried getting lost you end up where you wanted to go with no clue on how it happened. (last bit is an over exaggeration since i don't know how feasible that actually is lol)

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

My pet conspiracy theory is that most bus routes are a false compromise sold to voters.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Another problem with light rail would be mountains. Trains don't like those. On the other hand, cable-cars and cog railway exists and seem to be viable solutions. The city of Lyon even has both and since the cog railway starts on a flat terrain, it is able to switch between both.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

If you design your bus system like a light rail system without rails, you magically get most of the benefits for far less cost: https://youtu.be/fh1IaVmu3Y8

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

IMO it should be a progressive transformation. First light bus coverage, then more frequent busses and longer busses, then once the line is packed elevated light rails with remote control. The goal should always be to carry more people with less effort. Busses can be deployed quickly. Rails are a better long term solution.

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