This modelling of a hypothetical family’s transport expenses is very limited, but it’s clear that substantial savings can only be achieved by reducing the number of cars in the household.
Weekend Metro and V/Line train patronage is booming
It’s end of the month, so here’s another batch of photos from ten years ago: February 2014. The State Election was 7 months away, and Labor launched its “Homesafe” all-night weekend public transport initiative. They won, and this was introduced as PTV’s Night Network. The Bumblebee trams were still in their yellow livery from their ... [More]
Lessons for the every day
I thought these guys were dead. But there they were, large as life in the Bourke Street Mall on Valentine’s Day – which probably explains the balloons. Why? Honestly I don’t know, but the characters went way beyond the originals after the franchise was sold off in 2021 – almost to ridiculous extremes. Anybody want ... [More]
Sorry, it’s quiet on the blog due to being so busy. I’ve got a bunch of half-written drafts, but will try and finish some of them soon. Another x01 shuttle service has joined the fold. So far we have: Bus routes 701 (Bentleigh to Oakleigh) and 901 (Frankston to Airport) aren’t shuttles. There is currently ... [More]
Another on my series of photos from ten years ago: January 2014. What a stupid place to park – right in the middle of the tram stop Signs of climate change were evident in 2013. It’s not getting any better. Technically this was December 2013 – we had gone to the early fireworks. Plenty of ... [More]
Changing trains at Caulfield is about to become a lot more common
In some parts of Australia, removing a gas connection is complicated. Thankfully for me it was a smooth process.
The screens are on but nobody’s home
Comparing public transport patronage in Australia’s capital cities – and also – how much do people use buses?
It’s a CPI rise, but it means Melbourne still has the most expensive short trips in the country
Here’s another in my series of old photos from ten years ago – December 2013. Upgraded lighting at bus stops? Alas no – it was just an antique shop display adjacent to a bus stop. A less glamorous stop: the Elizabeth Street tram terminus – still lacking platform stops even in 2023. It was less ... [More]
I finally renovated my kitchen, and now my house is gas-free
Very busy at the moment, not much time for blogging. This is an unfamiliar angle very nearby to a spot that many people in Melbourne might know. Can you guess where it is? If I zoom out a bit (same angle, different photo/day), you might be able to spot a clue in the top right. ... [More]
Spotify’s recent “Wrapped” release of listening data prompted the American Public Transit Association to release a “TransitWrapped” graphic highlighting the busiest US transit systems. They also did a version for Canada. I was asked how this would look for Australia, so I’ve found the data for 2022-23, for the biggest capital cities with rail services. ... [More]