From Autopia: Lotus Makes Hybrids Sound Like Real Cars
Apparently some people are worried that quiet cars will not give auditory clues about their presence, and will run over pedestrians (esp. blind pedestrians). So Lotus is developing a technology that will cause the car to make noise even if it is not running on a conventional engine.
Day: 2008-08-07
Media Blitz
From the University of Minnesota’s News Service, the list of my recent media coverage all in one convenient place …
Traffic Patterns After the Collapse
Dr. David Levinson, a University of Minnesota researcher for the Center for Transportation Studies, discussed how the metro roadway system handled the loss of the 35W bridge, and what will happen to traffic in the Cities when the bridge reopens.
Twin Cities Live
To view: http://twincitieslive.com/article/day/S20080801.shtml?cat=10699
Our bridges: To do nothing will cost more
It was a year ago today that the 35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, stunning a nation that had long taken its vaunted highway system for granted. … Many observers think an increased use of tolling and congestion pricing could also provide major funding and more efficient utilization, by requiring drivers to pay top dollar during peak times, said David Levinson of the University of Minnesota’s civil engineering department.
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/26160819.html?page=3&c=y
Drivers adapt to life without 35W bridge
A new study by the University of Minnesota shows that most drivers were able to adapt to detours within two months after the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed last August. … David Levinson, a professor in the university’s Department of Civil Engineering and Center for Transportation Studies, looked at the traffic patterns.
Minnesota Public Radio
To listen: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/07/30/35w_bridge_detours/
U of M research on 35W collapse
University of Minnesota researchers have found that most drivers have experienced commute times after the 35W bridge collapse that were similar to their times prior to it.
KARE – TV
To view: http://www.criticalmention.com/ctv3-1/landing_email.php?type=email&video=true
&random_string=67342e94ebc4eb481fe39f14482ae1d
7-31 The Don Shelby Show
Thursday, Don found out about how traffic patterns have changed since the collapse of the 35W Bridge.
To hear:
No clip available:
WCCO – Radio: Mondale and Jones Show
Congestion Charge does not end Congestion
From the Guardian: London still gridlocked despite congestion charge
Apparently, the problem is not that the congestion charge reduced demand (trips entering are lower), but that supply has been contracted due to road works and pedestrianization schemes.
Again of course, the objective in a dense city center should not be to move cars faster through the center, it should be about moving people to their destinations in the least time, and giving them more possible destinations.
Also the term “gridlocked” is used quite loosely and hyperbolically here.
David Levinson, Transportist 