Making it work: 5 alternative transit projects that move people through cities
March has not been kind to the reputation of American transit. Washington D.C.’s metro was shut down for 29 hours. San Francisco’s BART was plagued with delays because of a mysterious problem. And New York City’s newest subway station is suffering from leaks and non-functioning escalators.
But this post isn’t about what’s dragging our transit down. Instead, I’m highlighting 5 alternative transportation projects that improve connectivity, serve underrepresented users, or are just plain interesting.
1. Staten Island Ferry, New York, NY
Framed by the Hudson and East rivers and a dramatic skyline, New York City is an ideal backdrop for water transportation and sightseeing. The ferry service in the city is often slighted as infrequent and expensive. However, one bright exception is the Staten Island Ferry. It’s a free(!) service that runs all day. The 5 miles 25-minute ride serves around 70,000 people a day and is the only non-vehicular mode between Manhattan and Staten Island. The ferry is a much more affordable option for those who live in the outer borough and provides an alternative to driving (and parking) in Manhattan.
2. Metro Cable, Caracas, Venezuela
In many mountainous cities in developing countries, impoverished residents often live in informal settlements along the hillside. Some of these cities have implemented transit alternatives to connect these settlements with the city centre, where jobs and schools are located. One pioneer example is the Metro Cable in Caracas, Venezuela. Urban Think Tank submitted a proposal to use cable cars and they were officially commissioned in 2007. Metro Cable not only provides an important link, its stations also serve as community and cultural centres that are sorely needed in the settlements, much like those in Medellín, Colombia.
3. Trampe Bicycle Lift, Trondheim, Norway
Have you ever tried cycling uphill? It is not an easy task. Trondheim has a self-service cycle lift for hilly streets — the one and only in the world. It was originally installed in 1993 and replaced by a new one in 2012. The Trampe functions similarly to a ski lift, where cyclists place their right foot on a footplate which will give a gentle push to accelerate his/her speed. It may sound a bit quirky, but a 2007 survey shows that 41% of the residents biked more often because of the lift.
4. Rideau Skateway, Ottawa, Canada
Speaking of quirky, did you know that Ottawa has a canal skateway where you can skate from home to the office? Every winter, 7.8 km of the 202 km long Rideau Canal is transformed into a giant skating surface and is open 24 hours a day. It serves the locks at Carleton University, Chateau Laurier, and those near the Parliament Buildings. The Skateway has its own ice condition report twice a day to inform the public regarding suitability for skating. Not only is it a popular recreational destination, it also provides an alternative and fun way for residents to commute during winter.
5. ‘Owl Bus’, Seoul, South Korea
Cites are more interconnected than ever with advancing technology, and data allows transit agencies to improve their services. Seoul’s metro system is shut down from midnight to 5am. Using late night phone call data, the mayor worked with telecom companies to analyze human movement. The data allows to the city to design late night bus routes that best serve the late night population. The Owl Bus provides a lifeline for low income workers who have to work night shifts and a safe route for female riders at night.
So next time you’re faced with leaky metro stations, jam-packed subway cars or even months-long rail line closures, close your eyes and think of these quirky commuting alternatives.
