Submitted by Rear-gunner t3_z2ldha in Futurology
miner_sd t1_ixgyqga wrote
Reply to comment by jargo3 in Your Robotaxi Is Almost Here by Rear-gunner
True, if only there was an affordable, efficient, short distance method of transport everyone could use to get to larger stations that could benefit more from economy of scale
lionrom098 t1_ixgz560 wrote
Right?! Something that can carry 30 - 40 people in one go
miner_sd t1_ixgzcw3 wrote
Yes but we may also need an even smaller mode of transit to get to those... hmm, something that doesn't require gas or batteries and is compact and light enough to be carried everywhere while still facilitating travel of sufficient distance would be best I think. Can't think of anything that can do that though
defcon_penguin t1_ixh4vgi wrote
Bikes are not for everyone. Families with small kids, old people, people with disabilities, people carrying large packages. Not everyone can ride a bike, not every time.
zooscientist t1_ixiex15 wrote
Sure. But most people (you?) don't even ever try
svick t1_ixh98r0 wrote
Nobody is contradicting that.
Though with sufficient infrastructure, cargo bikes can help with some of those cases.
Svenskensmat t1_ixhwk3d wrote
> Families with small kids, old people
Cargo bike.
> people carrying large packages.
Cargo bike.
defcon_penguin t1_ixi1w1h wrote
Next time I call, you so you take my mother with her luggage to the station with your cargo bike
Svenskensmat t1_ixi36jv wrote
You can take your own mother to the station.
Cynical_Cabinet t1_ixih7wj wrote
And because not literally everybody can use a bike, you think that the bike shouldn't be an option for anyone.
defcon_penguin t1_ixiy12l wrote
Never said that
miner_sd t1_ixihe28 wrote
> families with small kids
My parents had an enclosed bike trailer with a seat to move me around on bike when I was a baby, it also worked for groceries
> old people
If you think designing cities around cars only is better for old people you are gravely mistaken
> disabilities
Wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs use pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Driving is also notably quite impossible for the vision impaired
> large packages
Cargo bike or trailer
> not everyone can ride a bike every time
Thankfully, I'm not advocating for that, there are other modes of transit that are quite effective, such as walking, busses, light, heavy, and high speed rail, planes even. And for that one day every few years that you really need a van or truck, we may just in fact have the capabilities to allow you to rent one
Odd_Calligrapher_407 t1_ixkj6q9 wrote
Wah wah wah. Sounds like someone doesn’t like to get his feet wet. 🥲
Odd_Calligrapher_407 t1_ixkiyn3 wrote
Or people could walk the last mile…
miner_sd t1_ixkm7fo wrote
(I am referring to legs)
jargo3 t1_ixh28kk wrote
Bikes are great, but transporting them in busses generally isn't possible. There is usually space for one or two, but if you wan't to transport more you'll need to start reducing the number of people carried. They can be used with busses if there is a bike park near a bustop where you can leave your bike though.
patryuji t1_ixi6rgk wrote
I remember some areas of the Seattle metro had bike "lockers" at the bus and light rail stations. So, if the buses get a couple bikes at a time to a transit hub for connections around the metro, the transit hub can have lockers to safely store your bike.
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/travel-options/bike/parking.aspx#on-demand
miner_sd t1_ixigqeg wrote
I'm talking about legs
Also all the buses in my city have bike racks on them
demalo t1_ixhuux8 wrote
Don’t give me that bike shit, I’ve read The Giver!
jargo3 t1_ixh0yim wrote
There is, but it still isn't train. My point is, while trains are great, suggesting them for alternative for robotaxis doesn't make much sense.
Generally public transportation does require high enough population density and unfortunately USA is build such a way that it isn't high enough in many places. This can be fixed over time, but rebuilding half of America in short timeframe isn't realistic and therefore shared robotaxis are better transportation method than privately owner gas powered cars in many places.
phriot t1_ixi0bj9 wrote
This. My town has a train station on a line into the closest major city. The town does not have the density, or probably the tax base, to run a bus system. A few electric robotaxis would seem to at least be more efficient than having ~100 cars parked at that train station all day.
ocmaddog t1_ixhlgoc wrote
Uhh, robotaxis?
miner_sd t1_ixiibyi wrote
Why on earth would I need a $45000 giant metal box to get me a fraction of a mile
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