Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.
Bicyclists may be inhaling twice as much soot as pedestrians (L.A. Times)
Cycling is a healthy activity, but it’s not without its risks. Most know about the potential to get in a deadly crash (wear a helmet!) but the L.A. Times reports on a less obvious danger: inhaling lung blackening soot. A recent European study shows that cyclists inhale 2.3 times more soot than pedestrians, a fact that just slight offsets some of the health benefits of cycling. Ironically, it seems the major health risks involved with cycling both stem from the cars that cyclists share the road with.
Human Transit (the book): Introduction (Human Transit)
One of our favorite transit bloggers, Jarrett Walker, has written a book that delves in to the ideas he explores on his blog. The book, entitled Human Transit: How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives will be released later this year. In the meantime, Jarrett has offered up the full introduction from his book for all the read – and it’s a great read. Here’s a snippet:
…this book aims to give you a grasp of how transit works as an urban mobility tool and how it fits into the larger challenge of urban transportation. This is not a course designed to make you a qualified transit planner, though some professionals will benefit from it. My goal is simply to give you the confidence to form and advocate clear opinions about what kind of transit you want and how that can help create the kind of city you want.
New York gets mobile phone coverage underground (BBC)
A new pilot program in New York City is bringing cellular coverage to subway stations. But as BBC reports, the advent of this technology is a double edged sword for many transit rides. On the one hand, you can finally use your cell phone underground! On the other hand, it means one of the few remaining places where one can “disconnect” is disappearing. Plus, is there anything more annoying than hearing someone else talk on the phone?
Categories: Transportation Headlines
Service is not blocked. Mobile Carriers have to work with Metro (and all underground transit systems)to install antennas and repeaters in concrete underground stations and tunnels.
Moat of the red line stations block my cell service and internet signal (AT&T) but I always just assumed it was a security measure after what happened in London a few years back. To me it seems much safer to have it than not, as it enables people to call 911 if there’s a crime or an emergency situation.
Metro already has mobile coverage on the Red / Purple Line! It’s called Wilshire / Vermont = best station to have your train delayed.
All the Media is featuring the new limited 4 station mobile phone coverage on the New York Subway.
BART in Bay Area has had mobile coverage with five major carriers) in most of it’s underground segments (including the Transbay Tube) since 2009.
What’s Metro’s plan for the Red/Purple Line?
I like Jerret Walkers blog, however he choose the old publishing model and charging for his book accordingly. Sorry but with the days of ebooks and Amazon who is going to pay $75 for hard cover and $35 for paperback/ebook?
Innovative transit thinking does not translate to innovative publishing.