Comments on: Atlanta Streetcar Makes Virtual Debut http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/19/atlanta-streetcar-makes-virtual-debut/ Decatur Georgia News, Events, Atlanta News Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:32:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.0 By: alston http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/19/atlanta-streetcar-makes-virtual-debut/#comment-115657 Sun, 22 May 2011 15:57:32 +0000 http://www.decaturmetro.com/?p=20705#comment-115657 Where to start…. First, I wish they had gone with Czech Republic trams, not Siemen’s. I’ve ridden Siemen’s in Europe and Portland, and the seating system is hodge-podge, not straight forward. I like to ride looking forward towards where I’m going, not backwards. I don’t think it’s a healthy way to travel either. Also, all this concern that the overhead wire be “invisible”: What’s that all about? Of all the wires we walk under the one wire that gives us clean public transport is the one that comes under attack. I find them beautiful for the very reason that they represent concern for the environment, being non-polluting. Thus they represent common sense in going rail over bus. Now, there is no clean alternative fuel for bus, because “natural gas” comes from fracking… which means that calling something “natural” means zilch. Getting it is destructive to the environment, especially the water supplies. Those who say a fleet of buses could be up and running in a week for a lesser price are not considering the lifetime of a bus compared to a streetcar. There are streetcars still plying eastern European streets that were built 50 years ago. That’s 7 times longer lifetime than a bus. And, cities, Honolulu for one, that have chosen “bus rapid transit” over rail due to pressure and lies from the bus lobby and those demanding “immediate cheap” over “long term rail”, having realized they have wasted their money on said bus as the choice, have then had to replace and go for the rail after all. Personally, I would prefer to see the “Sweet Auburn” streetcar (and THAT should be the name on the destination sign) done like the new cars built for New Orleans that run Canal st. They are brand new, with a/c, but with the heritage look. And they are, smartly, painted in a bright livery that not only looks good, but is safer. A bright color livery will attract the attention of auto driver’s, especially important for introduction of streetcars back on the streets after such a long absence where most Atlanta drivers will have to give them the right of way. To me, a real streetcar is one that has a bounce. But, alas, that’s too much fun for today’s modern citizen who wants invisible wires, no bounce, so sensation. So, I can settle for what’s depicted in the photo shown, even though it’s a photo from Siemen’s file and the livery shown is just for display. Making a livery mistake, such as did Houston when it went for the sleek “silver” livery, could bring the high collision count that plagued Houston. On a rainy, cloudy gray day, the streetcars were barely visible. One other thing: Only 4? If the intervals are not close, the ridership will suffer. OK, I’m about to wrap up my mouthful. I’m happy to see streetcars coming back to Atlanta. I would be even happier if people who really were familiar with the different operational options on street rail were the ones making the decisions, and not uninformed, ga-ga eyed politicians who may not ask the right questions and thus spend too much on unnecessary and extravagant streetscapes and elaborate stops.

]]> By: Bobby http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/19/atlanta-streetcar-makes-virtual-debut/#comment-115461 Fri, 20 May 2011 22:59:47 +0000 http://www.decaturmetro.com/?p=20705#comment-115461 There’s still a chance to advocate for a line along Clairmont Rd-Clairemont Ave, but it involves showing up in much larger numbers than a handful of homeowners in opposition.

]]> By: lori http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/19/atlanta-streetcar-makes-virtual-debut/#comment-115447 Fri, 20 May 2011 21:22:25 +0000 http://www.decaturmetro.com/?p=20705#comment-115447 Light rail is fantastic. Hope we get to that point in the near future.

]]> By: Jim http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/19/atlanta-streetcar-makes-virtual-debut/#comment-115315 Fri, 20 May 2011 13:37:25 +0000 http://www.decaturmetro.com/?p=20705#comment-115315 Where does one find one of these “cool electric bikes?” Who makes them? Happy Friday!

]]> By: Pat http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/19/atlanta-streetcar-makes-virtual-debut/#comment-115239 Fri, 20 May 2011 01:33:08 +0000 http://www.decaturmetro.com/?p=20705#comment-115239 Or over 18,285 of these cool electric bikes.

[img]http://www.metaefficient.com/images/mantra_electric_bike_motorcycle.jpg[/img]

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