Sunday, September 23, 2007
Mass Transit - Euro Style
I just got back from a road trip. This time it was to the Netherlands. Travel shows you how other people go about living. This has the potential to change your perspective. For example, take public transportation.
The Dutch have an extensive and efficient train system. Travel by rail is relatively inexpensive. It cost as much to cross the country by train as it does to cross a small city using a taxi. The inter-city express trains run every half hour. For longer trips, going by rail is typically quicker and cheaper than driving. Factor in the ability to kick back and read or sleep & it's really a no brainer.
Once in a city, a large portion of the general population travels by bicycle. Here in the US, my city fancies itself as "bicycle friendly". The Dutch make my city look like a bunch of hacks! Here is a photo of a typical bike rack outside a train station. It is very large and beyond full. This station has additional bike racks at the other entrances and a secure bike park under the station. The bike parking at this one train station could probably accommodate my entire city.
You can't find a bike rack that large on a US college campus! Yet this is typical in Holland. Outside every building at my company - large covered bike racks. Executives in suits riding a bicycle to work. Dedicated and paved bicycle routes through the city and between neighboring villages. Traffic signals regulating the bike lanes. Simply put - a different approach to mass transportation.
Don't get me wrong, the Dutch still have cars. The roads are clogged during rush hour. But with fuel pushing $6.75 per gallon, the cars are the small fuel efficient type. Although one day I saw a 1970 LTD going down the road.
The thing I liked best, it is rare to see a bicycle helmet. I guess when you grow up riding a bike you have confidence in your abilities.
On an unrelated subject - Vista still sucks! ¶ 23.9.07
The Dutch have an extensive and efficient train system. Travel by rail is relatively inexpensive. It cost as much to cross the country by train as it does to cross a small city using a taxi. The inter-city express trains run every half hour. For longer trips, going by rail is typically quicker and cheaper than driving. Factor in the ability to kick back and read or sleep & it's really a no brainer.
Once in a city, a large portion of the general population travels by bicycle. Here in the US, my city fancies itself as "bicycle friendly". The Dutch make my city look like a bunch of hacks! Here is a photo of a typical bike rack outside a train station. It is very large and beyond full. This station has additional bike racks at the other entrances and a secure bike park under the station. The bike parking at this one train station could probably accommodate my entire city.
You can't find a bike rack that large on a US college campus! Yet this is typical in Holland. Outside every building at my company - large covered bike racks. Executives in suits riding a bicycle to work. Dedicated and paved bicycle routes through the city and between neighboring villages. Traffic signals regulating the bike lanes. Simply put - a different approach to mass transportation.
Don't get me wrong, the Dutch still have cars. The roads are clogged during rush hour. But with fuel pushing $6.75 per gallon, the cars are the small fuel efficient type. Although one day I saw a 1970 LTD going down the road.
The thing I liked best, it is rare to see a bicycle helmet. I guess when you grow up riding a bike you have confidence in your abilities.
On an unrelated subject - Vista still sucks! ¶ 23.9.07
