Comments on: San Francisco walks, 1.

By: Billfred

Billfred — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:51:09 +0000

Here in Columbia, South Carolina, we have a pretty lousy bus system–to get from downtown to the chief shopping area involves a transfer on the clear opposite end of town–but even we at least have a standardized sign to indicate where a bus stop is. I would agree that more information would be beneficial; our signs have a stop number and a phone number to call for bus updates (see http://www.gocmrta.com/howtoride.asp). Just like most things in Columbia, it’s mediocre.

By: Russellm

Russellm — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:24:45 +0000

Just paint the poles yellow — interesting concept.

Speaking from experience though, it’s cheaper to put up a sign, and less confusing if the routes change, because you can just move them. Also — Some things, like yellow bands on poles are not immediately significant.

By: eoin

eoin — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:57:20 +0000

The lack of any information and any distinguishable bus-stop sign is a gross error but I do like the fact there is less street furniture overall. Using existing traffic poles as bus stops could work if thought out correctly.

By: e

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:25:28 +0000

Timetables for buses are superfluous, as there is no way anybody can plan the flow of traffic to the minute. The best method is to make a bus come every 10 minutes or so, then people don’t mind waiting. And technology makes it easy to announce the next buses: that happens at bus stops in London and in Berlin with digital displays.
Maps and destinations, however, are vital.

By: steven wade

steven wade — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:07:36 +0000

here in chicago our buses and trains are well labeled and have time tables. however, the buses and trains don’t run on those timetables. you’ll often wait 15–20 minutes for a bus only to see three buses one right another. still it’s not bad enough to make me get a car.

we have a lot to learn about public transit here.