Currently viewing the tag: "Germany"

Observations from Europe: Near side traffic signals reduce crosswalk blocking

By On September 24, 2012 · 25 Comments

The driver of a Chevy Equinox blocks the crosswalk at North Avenue and Oakley Boulevard in Wicker Park. If the only traffic signal was on the near side of the intersection, she wouldn’t drive into the intersection as she wouldn’t be able to see when the signal turned green. But with far side signals, she [...]

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Observations from Europe: Why doesn’t the Metra train run as smoothly?

By On August 30, 2012 · 23 Comments

An example of a Regio Express train, stationed in Augsburg, Germany. Notice how it has only a single level. It has considerably more room for prams, bicycles, and people using wheelchairs. It also has near-level boarding at platforms (there’s a step down). The train’s name, Fugger-Express, refers to the Fugger family in Augsburg that founded [...]

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