Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
Geisterbahnhöfe (German: Ghost Stations) originally referred to closed subway stations in Berlin, through which trains passed without stopping due to the division of the city by the Berlin Wall. Some U-bahn or S-bahn lines ran for the most part in West Berlin, but passed through the Soviet Sector in the center of the city. Patrons could ride along these lines through East Berlin, but trains did not stop. The Geisterbahnhöfe were dimly lit and patrolled by East German border guards. Trains did stop at Friedrichstraße, which was a transfer point between Western lines and also a border crossing into East Berlin. The Western lines with Ghost Stations were today's U6 and U8 and the Nord-Süd Bahn of the S-bahn.
Here is a 1984 map of the U- and S-bahn networks produced by the Western operator, BVG. Geisterbahnhöfe are labeled as Bahnhöfe auf denen die Züge nicht halten (stations at which trains do not stop). On Eastern U- and S-bahn maps, West Berlin is depicted as having no infrastructure, and the Western lines passing through East Berlin are not shown. Here is an Eastern 1984 map.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Photo Friday: Morning Skies
Photo Friday is a series showcasing a photo of mine each week. Enjoy!
A view of Midtown Atlanta from one of my favorite spots:the eastern shore of Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park
My photostream
A view of Midtown Atlanta from one of my favorite spots:
My photostream
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Four O'Clock Factoid: The Nearest Doorway to Heaven
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
The Qingzang Railway holds the title of world's highest railroad. It passes through the Tanggula Pass near Wenquan, Tibet, at an elevation of 17,162 feet (5,231 meters) above sea level. The line, which opened in 2006, has the nickname 'the nearest door to the heaven.'
The Qingzang Railway holds the title of world's highest railroad. It passes through the Tanggula Pass near Wenquan, Tibet, at an elevation of 17,162 feet (5,231 meters) above sea level. The line, which opened in 2006, has the nickname 'the nearest door to the heaven.'
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Four O'Clock Factoid: The Really Fast Mail
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
The Wreck of the Old 97 was a train crash that occurred September 23, 1903. Southern Railway's Fast Mail was a train bound for Spencer, North Carolina. It was already late when it left Washington, and at Monroe, Virginia the engineer was instructed not to be late arriving in Spencer. The typical average speed taken between Monroe and Spencer was 39 mph, but in order to be on time, the train would have to average at least 51 miles per hour. At Danville, Virginia, the train left the tracks on the trestle over Cherrystone Creek, traveling at over 50 mph. Nine people were killed in the wreck, which inspired a well-known ballad of the same name.
The Wreck of the Old 97 was a train crash that occurred September 23, 1903. Southern Railway's Fast Mail was a train bound for Spencer, North Carolina. It was already late when it left Washington, and at Monroe, Virginia the engineer was instructed not to be late arriving in Spencer. The typical average speed taken between Monroe and Spencer was 39 mph, but in order to be on time, the train would have to average at least 51 miles per hour. At Danville, Virginia, the train left the tracks on the trestle over Cherrystone Creek, traveling at over 50 mph. Nine people were killed in the wreck, which inspired a well-known ballad of the same name.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Four O'Clock Factoid: Precursor
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
Levittown, New York was the first mass-produced, planned suburb of the post-war era. It is largely considered to have set the archetype for most suburban development in the United States from the 1940s on. The first Levittown was on Long Island, but others were built in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico.
Levittown, New York was the first mass-produced, planned suburb of the post-war era. It is largely considered to have set the archetype for most suburban development in the United States from the 1940s on. The first Levittown was on Long Island, but others were built in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico.
Transit Tuesday: The Name Game
*Please see below for a correctionTransit Tuesday is a weekly feature or profile on transit.
In recent years, many transit agencies in the United States and abroad have converted to contactless RFID cards. And many have used this opportunity to rebrand their fare system, perhaps even the transit system as a whole.
In recent years, many transit agencies in the United States and abroad have converted to contactless RFID cards. And many have used this opportunity to rebrand their fare system, perhaps even the transit system as a whole.
Let's take a look at what rail operators have named their RFID cards:
- Atlanta - MARTA - "Breeze Card"
- Boston - T - "CharlieCard"
- Chicago - L - "Chicago Card"
- Miami - Metro - "EASY Card"
- New York - PATH - "SmartLink"
- Philadelphia - PATCO - "Freedom Card"
- San Diego - Coaster, Trolley, Sprinter - "Compass Card"
- San Francisco - BART, Caltrain, Muni - "TransLink"
- Seattle - Link, Sounder - "ORCA Card"
- Washington - Metro - "SmarTrip"
Most of these smart cards are used region-wide. For instance, in the Atlanta area, the Breeze Card can be used on MARTA rail and bus, C-Tran , Cobb Community Transit, Gwinnett County Transit, and XpressGA buses. Washington's SmarTrip can be used on all transit systems in the region, except for MARC and VRE, the commuter rail operators.
Names often reflect the history of the region or the system. Boston's CharlieCard, for instance, is a reference to the protest song "Charlie on the MTA", which was written in 1948 to oppose fare increases. The Charm Card references to Baltimore's nickname, Charm City. Seattle's ORCA is actually an acronym, short for One Regional Card for All.
Some are still in the roll out phases and will eventually be accepted in more places. Other places are planning to have the technology soon, including Baltimore's "Charm Card," expected later this year.
*Correction:Last week's Transit Tuesday included an error, for which I apologize.In my analysis of fares, I used the longest-distance trip on BART to calculate the highest fare, because BART does not list the highest fare on their website. The trip I used for the calculation was between Millbrae and Pittsburg/Bay Point. That trip, which passes through San Francisco Airport station costs $7.05. However, a trip from San Francisco Airport to Pittburg/Bay Point costs $10.90. This is due to a surcharge added to trips to/from SFO Airport Station. Again, I apologize for the bad data. Thanks to DavidJ for the tip.
Again, I apologize for the bad data. I do my best to provide accurate and informative data, and will continue to do so. If you see something you think is an error, please notify me.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Four O'Clock Factoid: Spanish Solution
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
The term Spanish Solution refers to a transit station design principle whereupon platforms are located on both sides of a track. This is used at high-volume stations to make it easier for patrons to board and alight. Sometimes one platform is reserved for boarding and the other for alighting, in other instances either platform can be used for either purpose. Examples include Atlanta's Five Points station, Munich's Marienplatz (S-bahn), and Charles de Gaulle - Etoile on Line 6 in Paris. It takes its name from early implementation on Barcelona's Metro, although the earliest instance occurred at Park Street Under (Red Line) in Boston in 1912.
The term Spanish Solution refers to a transit station design principle whereupon platforms are located on both sides of a track. This is used at high-volume stations to make it easier for patrons to board and alight. Sometimes one platform is reserved for boarding and the other for alighting, in other instances either platform can be used for either purpose. Examples include Atlanta's Five Points station, Munich's Marienplatz (S-bahn), and Charles de Gaulle - Etoile on Line 6 in Paris. It takes its name from early implementation on Barcelona's Metro, although the earliest instance occurred at Park Street Under (Red Line) in Boston in 1912.
Monday Shot: Sonderzug
Monday Shot isn't quite espresso, but hopefully this weekly transit picture will help get your week started.
I happened across this Sonderzug (special train) at WarschauerStraße U-Bahn Station when I visited Berlin in 2005
My photostream
I happened across this Sonderzug (special train) at Warschauer
My photostream
Friday, January 22, 2010
Four O'Clock Factoid: Bulwark becomes Boulevard
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann is largely credited with creating the modern Paris. His plan of avenues created large open spaces by cutting through the medieval city. Planning and construction of the Haussmann proposal occurred in the mid-1800s under Napoleon III. It was Haussmann's plan that brought the word "Boulevard" into common usage and which also contributed strongly to the City Beautiful Movement.
Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann is largely credited with creating the modern Paris. His plan of avenues created large open spaces by cutting through the medieval city. Planning and construction of the Haussmann proposal occurred in the mid-1800s under Napoleon III. It was Haussmann's plan that brought the word "Boulevard" into common usage and which also contributed strongly to the City Beautiful Movement.
Photo Friday: Winter Sunset
Photo Friday is a series showcasing a photo of mine each week. Enjoy!
I loved the color contrast of the sunset with the darkness ofthe bare trees in this shot from Silver Spring's Woodside Park
My photostream
I loved the color contrast of the sunset with the darkness of
My photostream
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Four O'Clock: Nationalizing
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
Railpax was the intended brand name for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. At the last minute, the name was changed to Amtrak. The NRPC was formed in 1970 and service began in May 1971.
Railpax was the intended brand name for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. At the last minute, the name was changed to Amtrak. The NRPC was formed in 1970 and service began in May 1971.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Four O'Clock Factoid: Dense Stop Spacing
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
Paris has one of the highest densities of transit stations anywhere. In the 41 square mile city, there are 245 Metro stations - roughly one for every 0.17 (one-fifth) of a mile. And that figure doesn't count the RER stations also in the city limits.
Paris has one of the highest densities of transit stations anywhere. In the 41 square mile city, there are 245 Metro stations - roughly one for every 0.17 (one-fifth) of a mile. And that figure doesn't count the RER stations also in the city limits.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Four O'Clock Factoid: Christmas Present
Four O'Clock Factoid is a daily feature on Track Twenty-Nine helping to get you through the workday with a bit of useless knowledge.
Savannah, Georgia was the original capital of the colony and, later, the state of Georgia. It is an early example of town planning in the United States, with a rectilinear street grid intersecting a set of squares. The squares had space reserved for public and religious buildings on their edges. In December 1864, after capturing the city in his March to the Sea, General William Sherman gave Savannah to President Lincoln as a 'Christmas present.'
Savannah, Georgia was the original capital of the colony and, later, the state of Georgia. It is an early example of town planning in the United States, with a rectilinear street grid intersecting a set of squares. The squares had space reserved for public and religious buildings on their edges. In December 1864, after capturing the city in his March to the Sea, General William Sherman gave Savannah to President Lincoln as a 'Christmas present.'
George Takei: Transit Geek
George Takei is well known for his iconic role as Captian Sulu on the Star Trek television series and films. What is less well known is his role as a member of the board of directors of the Southern California Rapid Transit District for 11 years. In fact, in 1978, he was called away from the set of Star Trek: The Motion Picture to cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the pursuit of a subway system for Los Angeles.
He was recently interviewed on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, a weekly news quiz show, in the segment known as "Not My Job."
I'm a huge fan of Wait Wait, and this is my favorite episode. Ever.
Takei talks about Star Trek, gay marriage, and, surprisingly, transit. You really should listen to the whole segment (here, 11:36), but I've transcribed a small excerpt below:
I particularly love Peter Sagal's response. I'm an unabashed transit geek, and I certainly know the reaction - when peoples' eyes start to glaze over - but it's totally worth it to meet another transit geek.
Anyway, this episode of Wait Wait totally made my day. I just had to share.
He was recently interviewed on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, a weekly news quiz show, in the segment known as "Not My Job."
I'm a huge fan of Wait Wait, and this is my favorite episode. Ever.
Takei talks about Star Trek, gay marriage, and, surprisingly, transit. You really should listen to the whole segment (here, 11:36), but I've transcribed a small excerpt below:
Mo Rocca: Can I just add...? I feel a little left out, because I'm actually not a Star Trek geek.
George Takei: You're not?
MR: I'm not, but I am a rapid transit geek.
GT: You sound like one.
MR: I'm not a Star Trek geek, I just get mistaken for one constantly. But I am a rapid transit geek, and I just wanted to know, is there any future in the monorail?
GT: Here in Los Angeles?
MR: Just anywhere. I love them.
GT: You do? (laughter) Um, no. What we're doing here in Los Angeles is building a network of light rail because that's less costly. And putting the focus on extending the stub-ended Wilshire Line. And we want to extend that to--
Peter Sagal: Is this what other people feel like when we're talking about Star Trek? (laughter)
Adam Felber: Yeah.
MR: I love it.
PS: I'm like 'blah-de-blah-de-blah.'
GT: Sorry about that.
PS: It's all right.
MR: You just don't get it. We have conventions. This is awesome!
PS: You all dress up as conductors...
AF: If the Purple Line is going to be powered by dilithium, then...(laughter)
GT: Dilithium crystals, yes.
I particularly love Peter Sagal's response. I'm an unabashed transit geek, and I certainly know the reaction - when peoples' eyes start to glaze over - but it's totally worth it to meet another transit geek.
Anyway, this episode of Wait Wait totally made my day. I just had to share.
Transit Tuesday: Fare Enough
*Please see below for a correction.
The recent economic hardship in the United States has created major budget problems for most, if not all, transit agencies in the country. As a result, many have raised fares in the past few months or are considering such a move. This week, Transit Tuesday takes a look at heavy and light rail transit fares around the nation.
Systems have been divided into three categories: Those operating heavy rail, those operating light rail, and those operating both. Because commuter rail operators typically have different fare policies, they were not considered in this analysis.
Note: This chart contains an error. The highest fare on BART is actually $10.90.
Among heavy rail (only) operators, the lowest fare is found on Philadelphia's PATCO Speedline, which has a graduated fare system based on distance traveled. The shortest trips cost $1.25, however, longer trips can cost as much as $2.70. The highest flat fares are found in New York and Chicago, where access to the Subway and the L costs $2.25. The honor of highest fare goes to BART in the San Francisco Bay Area. The longest trip results in a fare of $7.05 $10.90, however shorter trips can cost as little as $1.75.
Among operators of mixed systems, the lowest fare can be found in Los Angeles, where Metro charges a $1.25 flat fare. The highest flat fare is found in Cleveland, where it costs $2.25. Boston charges a flat fare, but charges different rates for customers using their RFID Charlie Card: $1.75 with the card, $2.00 cash or magstripe card.
Light rail (only) operators also see quite a range. Sound Transit's Tacoma (Washington) Link is a free service, so it holds the title of cheapest light rail. Portland and Pittsburgh both have fare-free areas downtown, but do charge for trips outside of that area - in Pittsburgh, as much as $3.50 during rush hours. Denver's RTD has the highest possible fare at $4.50, but it ranges as low as $2.00 for shorter trips. The highest flat fares are found in San Diego and Sacramento, where each ride costs $2.50.
The amount of access to the transportation system per cost is probably the best measure of value. This (brief) analysis does not consider how far one can travel per actual unit of fare, but the above chart does show the total rail system length in miles. Compare Washington's Metro with BART. The DC Metro is actually slightly longer (by about a mile). For $4.50, you can travel from end to end on the Metro, but the same trip on BART costs $7.05.
New York and Chicago have the same flat fare, but the New York Subway has more that twice as much mileage as the L. Among light rail operators, Portland and Pittsburgh offer contrast. With less than half the mileage of Portland's MAX, the Pittsburgh T has a maximum fare over 50% higher than the one found in Oregon. In addition, all of Pittsburgh's light rail lines are in the same general area of the region (south), whereas Portland's 52 miles of light rail are spread more evenly through the metropolitan area.
Among operators of mixed systems, the lowest fare can be found in Los Angeles, where Metro charges a $1.25 flat fare. The highest flat fare is found in Cleveland, where it costs $2.25. Boston charges a flat fare, but charges different rates for customers using their RFID Charlie Card: $1.75 with the card, $2.00 cash or magstripe card.
Light rail (only) operators also see quite a range. Sound Transit's Tacoma (Washington) Link is a free service, so it holds the title of cheapest light rail. Portland and Pittsburgh both have fare-free areas downtown, but do charge for trips outside of that area - in Pittsburgh, as much as $3.50 during rush hours. Denver's RTD has the highest possible fare at $4.50, but it ranges as low as $2.00 for shorter trips. The highest flat fares are found in San Diego and Sacramento, where each ride costs $2.50.
The amount of access to the transportation system per cost is probably the best measure of value. This (brief) analysis does not consider how far one can travel per actual unit of fare, but the above chart does show the total rail system length in miles. Compare Washington's Metro with BART. The DC Metro is actually slightly longer (by about a mile). For $4.50, you can travel from end to end on the Metro, but the same trip on BART costs $7.05.
New York and Chicago have the same flat fare, but the New York Subway has more that twice as much mileage as the L. Among light rail operators, Portland and Pittsburgh offer contrast. With less than half the mileage of Portland's MAX, the Pittsburgh T has a maximum fare over 50% higher than the one found in Oregon. In addition, all of Pittsburgh's light rail lines are in the same general area of the region (south), whereas Portland's 52 miles of light rail are spread more evenly through the metropolitan area.
Of course, this is just a (very) simple analysis. Many other factors play into the cost of transit fares. Still, it's an interesting look at what everybody else has to pay for a ride on the train.
**Correction: This article initially included an error, for which I apologize.
In my analysis of fares, I used the longest-distance trip on BART to calculate the highest fare, because BART does not list the highest fare on their website. The trip I used for the calculation was between Millbrae and Pittsburg/Bay Point. That trip, which passes through San Francisco Airport station costs $7.05. However, a trip from San Francisco Airport to Pittburg/Bay Point costs $10.90. This is due to a surcharge added to trips to/from SFO Airport Station. I have not updated the charts. Thanks to DavidJ for the tip.
Again, I apologize for the bad data. I do my best to provide accurate and informative data, and will continue to do so. If you see something you think is an error, please notify me.
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