[sustran] Re: FW: [atraPolicy] principal voices ###

[Brendan Finn]

I feel like an unwilling spectator in a parochial argument where
participants have long ago established their arguments and
counter-arguments. This seems to me like a discussion among Americans about
American conditions with American mindsets.

Please excuse us if the other 6 billion plus inhabitants of the globe don't
immediately feel 'embraced' by this discussion. Many of us live in places
where it is possible to live pleasantly without a car, even if we can't
avoid being confronted by it every day. Far, far more people live without a
car because as an option it's just not on the radar. They watch funds and
resources eternally consumed by transport means which are irrelevant to
them, and they see deep resistance to measures which would improve their
lives. "Carfree" is reality for the vast majority of the world's population,
whether by circumstance or by choice.

I will remain polite about some of the "new advanced" means of
transportation. Suffice to say that as the limitations become ever-clearer
of one means of transport which has been and continues to be peddled
mercilessly (and I use the word advisedly) throughout the world, a novel
opportunity is now available to get governments, cities and the public to
invest huge globs of money. I guess everyone is entitled to try to turn a
buck and press his case.

However, please allow the rest of us to get on with transportation solutions
appropriate to our situations.

Brendan Finn,
ETTS Ltd.




-----Original Message-----
From: sustran-discuss-bounces+etts=indigo.ie at list.jca.apc.org
[mailto:sustran-discuss-bounces+etts=indigo.ie at list.jca.apc.org]On Behalf Of
Daryl Oster
Sent: 23 December 2004 20:26
To: Asia and the Pacific sustainable transport
Cc: policy at advancedtransit.org
Subject: [sustran] FW: [atraPolicy] principal voices ###

The forwarded message (bottom of message) is typical of the opinion of many
transportation experts that are offering innovative transportation
solutions, IMO this opinion has merit, and should be considered by the
anti-car / rail-centric crowd.


We have two basic ways to achieve sustainability in transportation:

1) Use draconian measures to force people (against their will) to give up
cars, and return to using trains, bikes, and muscle for transportation.

2) Implement transportation innovations that offer more than a 10 fold
improvement in transportation efficiency, AND an improved benefit to cost
ratio compared with roads.


Most people in the world are aware of the problems associated with trains,
bikes, and muscle transportation, and more are learning about the many
problems associated with cars.  Most people agree cars cause air pollution,
just as they plainly see that animal transport has sanitation problems. It
appears many members in this group are focused on the first way -legislate
what is not socially sustainable -- reduce the global standard of living.


The history of transportation shows that only the second way is proven to be
effective, as it is socially sustainable.  Furthermore, there is much
evidence that trains, bikes, and muscle powered transportation is LESS
sustainable than cars.


"New Mobility" must be truly new -- not just a camouflage of old methods
that have failed. Therefore, this group should embrace and support
transportation sustainable innovations (like ETT) that offer quantum
improvements in benefit to cost ratio over cars, trains and planes.


ETT is in the process of implementation by et3.com Inc, an open
collaboration that virtually anyone is free to join.  Please consider that
ETT implementation will take place faster with your help.  You all can help
by taking the responsibility of learning about ETT at www.et3.com, and then
teaching others.


Daryl Oster
(c) 2004  all rights reserved.  ETT, et3, MoPod, "space travel on earth"
e-tube, e-tubes,  and the logos thereof are trademarks and or service marks
of et3.com Inc.  For licensing information contact:    et3 at et3.com ,
www.et3.com  POB 1423, Crystal River FL 34423-1423  (352)257-1310


> -----Forward Message-----
> From: Walter Brewer [mailto:catcar38 at charter.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2004 10:04 AM
> To: policy at advancedtransit.org
> Subject: Re: [atraPolicy] principal voices ###
>
> I have difficulty climbing upon the "New Mobility" Bandwagon.
>
> It's not that the broad goals indicated are flawed.
>
> But when advocacy for carless days appear, I don't believe it understands
> the FUNCTION transportation plays in the overall mix of endeavors.
>
> Carless days are like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. They show
> lack of understanding for the function cars play that are so essential to
> economic, and social well being. They even show lack of understanding that
> one element in a complex system may be less than ideal, as long as the end
> product is benefited.
>
> Perhaps the "baby" in its present form borders upon ugly, but the
> objective
> is to help it grow up into a more useful citizen. In the case of
> transportation vs the human mind and body, it can adopt a quite different
> form.
>
> We need to be thinking about "Productive Mobility". It includes energy
> efficiency, environmental respect, etc, but preserves the individual
> oriented flexible destination oriented travel cars now provide, and
> typically about 90% prefer.
>
> Walt Brewer
> catcar38 at charter.net