Seattlest: On & Off the Rails

V.C.

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:15:30 -0800

Great post. Thanks!

MvB

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:35:56 -0800

Eric, given that density and transit systems correlate, you make a not very strong argument. In any event, I'm finding pop. density numbers of 2,665/km² for Seattle and only 1,475/km² for Strasbourg.

AK

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:35:45 -0800

I am all for it, really great post! Our transportation system has really pissed me off for years! Buses should be a secondary system to a rail system, and a rail system should follow major freeways. Done. Now for the administration... Thanks, -AK

Eric

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:28:54 -0800

I think you forgot to mention the fact that the population density of Strasbourg is much higher than that of Seattle. Transit systems make more economic sense the greater the population density. Admittedly, Seattle could use several more light rail lines, but to compare the situation with Strasbourg is not so useful since the cities differ so much in density.

Ronald

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:58:06 -0800

Funny, Matt!

Matt

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:48:14 -0800

Inspired by the intelligent design link the other day, here's how I would imagine the thought process of Seattle's creator: Let's see, where was I? Ah! Transportation. Seattlites will need to get around somehow... Let's start with public transportation. I'll put in trolleys everywhere. No, that's no good. Much too easy. I want people to look at my creations, not actually use them. Let's see, we'll take the maximum distance someone would walk to avoid waiting for a ride, and make it the distance of our transportation system. That'll keep people off it. Then I'll put it in the sky, for everyone to see. Very nice. Now let's put one by the water. Ooh, that's good. But no, again people will end up using it. Let's move it to exactly parallel my other creation - just a bit to the side to South Lake Union, and add back that same "I'd rather walk" distance. Perfect. Oh, and let's make sure none of these connects. That should keep them clean and rider-free. Now bikes. Seattle will be an outdoorsy place, with lots of people biking around. But it's quite rainy and I'm afraid for them to be outside too much. No bike lanes for commuters. That should keep them indoors. What's left? Cars. Hate the things. I think I'll make sure there aren't many ways into my city by placing water everywhere. And I'll make the roads so rough that nobody will want to drive anyway. Then I'll make a nice trap for them downtown. I'll lure them there with a nice water view, but I'll make sure it can topple at any minute. That'll crush a few dozen of the dirty things.