12 foot ladder- archive.ph/iZqnd
Ideas coming down the track
Submitted 2 days ago by InevitableList@beehaw.org to technology@beehaw.org
https://www.economist.com/technology-quarterly/2013/06/01/ideas-coming-down-the-track
Comments
InevitableList@beehaw.org 2 days ago
tormeh@discuss.tchncs.de 2 days ago
The lack of widespread regenerative breaking in subways is leading to commuters’ lungs being filled with brake dust, in addition to heating up the stations, which is a problem in summer. This is really bad and embarrassing. Rail moves far too slow when it comes to adopting new tech.
Egonallanon@feddit.uk 2 days ago
They’ve managed to install it on a bunch of trains in the Barcelona metro and it’s helped dropped the temperatures by around 1.5c.
I know Tfl has also put it on a couple of trains over the years but yeah we’re still lacking a broader rollout.
InevitableList@beehaw.org 2 days ago
Trains are designed to operate for 30 or more years so the turnover is slower than cars, which have an average age of 12 in USA.
SnotFlickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 days ago
The auto industry has literally done everything in its power to ensure that trains are an afterthought and don’t get enough ridership to make such improvements.
The air industry, basically just Boeing, is subsidized by the government through military contracts so that one is more of an apples to oranges comparison.
tormeh@discuss.tchncs.de 2 days ago
How is the airline industry just Boeing? What an odd thing to say.
SnotFlickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 days ago
Sorry I guess I should have been clearer that this comment was regarding the US specifically. The auto industry in other countries has done similar things but has failed in Europe compared to the US in making everyone carbrained. And Boeing is basically the only major airframe manufacturer in the US.
Europe is an entirely different story on both fronts. Forgive me for not specifying.