Re: Slow Melbourne trams

IS Edit
Monday, May 20, 2002 5:04 AM

Because I was talking about higher density European cities with a higher percentage of public transport users per se. I am a strong supporter of light rail/tram but unfortunately it takes more brains and discipline to run a tramway than a bus based transport undertaking.

Look at Stuttgart if you prefer. The vehicular traffic headed towards the city backs all the way up into the hills that almost surround Stuttgart and the place is full of public transport including trams. So you're in traffic jams in the woods.

I spent 5 years working for the M&MTB, 3 years as Secretary of the Tram & Bus Travellers Association and 18 months on the so-called Taskforces that re-organised 13 transport bodies down to four and have a passing acquaintance with street transport here, especially its drongo aspect.

I also spent 5 years working for the Muni Railway in San Francisco and spent almost 5 years in Europe, 3 of them in Frankfurt which was a big tram city.

I cannot see any plausible grand plan for Melbourne's public transport. Drongoes crawl out from under every rock when any change is mooted.

And basically the city has moved away from public transport. Despite the resurgence of inner city living, people are choosing their cars. And most of them won't get out of those cars to get on a tram or a train. And you don't have a political mandate to force them, nor a viable alternative for most trips to the motor car.

Bob Murphy

----- Original Message -----

From: Tony Bailey

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, May 20, 2002 12:58 PM

Subject: Re: [TramsDownUnder] Slow Melbourne trams

----- Original Message -----

From: IS Edit

It is still possible and practical to use motor cars for a far higher percentage of trips in Melbourne than New York, London, Frankfurt or Paris.

Three out of four of those are nowhere near being 'major' tramway cities - even if Paris may be soon on the way to that status.

Why not start your comparison with Zurich and Wien and try if from there - it may not work!

Tony Bailey
Mercury World Travel
Mercury Travel Books
[email protected]

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