From: marc@octel.com (Marc Lewert)
Subject: Re: Viable auto alternative system? (long)
Organization: Octel Communications Inc., Milpitas Ca.
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 16:54:16 GMT

	[ my original stuff and your comments on it deleted ]
>
>What might it look like?  I imagine a three-tier transit system, borrowing
>some elements from existing transit, and inventing others: 
>
>* 1."Backbone": arterial, high speed, high frequency (every 10 or 15 minutes)
>few stops -- like CalTrain (with higher frequency).  Provides a "city
>to city" connection.

	As I see it, this tier includes:
		BART, CalTrain, Amtrak, Airlines, Greyhound and the
		Alaska Marine Ferry service
>
>* 2."Local loops" starting and ending at backbone stations, serving 
>shopping and residential areas.  Local loops intersect with each other
>too, so you can do a "local to local" trip without a backbone segment.
>I'd replace today's so-called bus "routes" that go nowhere fast.  

a	I see this as:
		LRT, street cars, local buses.  Though LRT or
		street cars could also fit into the "Backbone"
		if they go far enough.

>
>* 3."On demand" shuttles, like shared taxis that would take you to a 
>loop or backbone stop, or fairly directly to your destination if it was
>in the nearby area.  Eliminates a major reason why people won't use 
>buses.  Of course you can still walk to a tier 2 stop, or choose your 
>home location accordingly.  Possible use of central computer-assisted 
>dispatching/routing. 

	I see this as:
		cars, trucks, taxis, Dial-a-ride, airport shuttles
		bikes, rollar skates and your own two feet (or other
		human powered local transit mode).
>
>* "Assured Connection" policy.  Vehicles in each tier would *always* wait 
>for connecting vehicles, eliminating another perception problem (and a
>real personal security issue for many people) of today's bus lines.  
>No abandonment on the sidewalk waiting for a connection that may not come.  

	This is important more when there is a longer wait between
	vehicles, but not as important for frequent service.  The 
	"Last Bus" connection though should always connect.

	This could play havoc with timetables and schedules if things
	got late.

[bike exmaple dropped]
>I imagine that with such a multi-tiered system you might transfer more 
>on a long trip, but you'd get there faster on average, and with assured 
>connections.  For local sources and destinations I'd expect you'd perceive
>much better service (being able to get where you want faster and more
>directly).  Door-to-door service is available if you need it or want to 
>pay for it.  And a guarantee that when you step out your door you'll be 
>able to get to your destination without standing alone in the elements, 
>with a good time estimate of how long it will take.
>
>Cost and practicality? Unknown.  How much current motorists would pay 
>for this? Unknown.  Estimates of time it would take to get between
>real destinations?  Unknown.  
>
>Who wants to brainstorm this with me?  Who has pointers to books or 
>papers on transit system and timetable design, including the mechanics
>of transfer timing and such? 
>
>/John

This sort of sounds like a design for a data network :)

	marc
-- 
[ Marc Lewert                      Phone: (408) 321-6626                 ]
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