Explore Ebooks
Categories
Explore Audiobooks
Categories
Explore Magazines
Categories
Explore Documents
Categories
No bus stops were harmed in the creation of this guide. Some of this space was probably left blank intentionally. Most rights reserved for party of 2. danmajewski.com February 2012
Dan Majewski
INTRODUCTION TRANSPORTATION
Throughout history, humans have used different methods to transport themselves. Historically, this meant walking, taking a boat or using some sort of domesticated animal. With the invention of the internal combustion engine in 1860, this all changed.
THE AUTOBUS
Since the 1940s, transit use has declined while personal automobile use has increased. Eventually, autobuses, or buses, were primarily transporting the poorest citizens in American cities. In the last decade, this has begun to change. Increasing fuel prices have caused some people to return to transit as a cheaper more environmentally friendly alternative to driving alone.
THE AUTOMOBILE
The automobile has been shaping the development of cities since the early 1900s. It has had a dramatic impact on development patterns in American cities. Urban areas built post-auto are distinctly different from urban areas built pre-auto. Wide streets characterize post-auto urban areas. Large parking lots, high automobile speeds and a low percentage of people using transit, bicycles or walking to travel to important destinations are also evident in these areas.
SHELTERS
In 2001, the City of Tucson entered an agreement with AdVision. The agreement stated that this company would build and maintain 450 stop shelters and 100s of benches with ads on the back. These shelters prioritize placement of the ads over other aspects, such as orientation to the sun. To date, 350 of the shelters have been built. They are a huge improvement over what they replaced, which many times was just a sign in the ground. The shelters create a sense of place much more effectively than a sign in the ground.
SIGN + BENCH
A bench emphasizes the existence of people spending time at a location. It creates an environment for relaxation while waiting. Even if not used for seating, it can be used to place a bag or a drink cup. It allows people a higher level of comfort when waiting for the bus. The usefulness of the bench can depend upon how much shade it receives during the day.