And now for a word on the Shanghai Public Transit system (born in 1995). “Impressive” comes to mind. All train cars are connected with open corridors instead of closed-off doors like the subway cars in Philly or the El cars in Chicago. I think this allows more space for more people, which is imperative here.
In Prague, a clock immediately begins counting as soon as a train leaves the station, so you can see how long it’s been since a train left. Here, they take it a step further. There are televisions on the platform that show the time until the next train AND the trains following that. The first clock usually shows a waiting time of less than three minutes and the next clock is about eight minutes. And sure enough, when the clock gets to 0:00, a train has either pulled into the station or is on its way in. I liken the clocks to some pro athletes and South Philly girls – they are bold and cocky, and I like it.
The transit systems back home don’t bother putting up clocks telling you when the last train left or when the next train is coming. “The less you know, the better” seems to be the mentality. It lends itself well to plausible deniability - when something goes wrong, none of the transit employees know anything. I dig it. “Oh, you want to know when the next train is coming? Beats me, buddy. But let me know if you find out.” It doesn’t seem like many take pride in their work or maybe it’s just me. In any case….
Prague doesn’t settle for that. It tells you when the last train left so you know: if it’s only been a couple minutes, prepare to wait; if it gets to ten minutes, expect something soon. And then there is Shanghai. The clocks are programmed to show when the next train is coming. It’s up-to-the-minute based on sensors in the tunnels. It’s just this simple: trains running on schedules. How about that?
The drawback is your purse might get stuck in the doors as they close. You give it a tug and it comes loose, but then you look-up and see the good-looking guy you’re traveling with still standing on the platform because the doors were that militant about closing. This happened to Greta one day as we were getting on the train. But we handled it well. She got off at the next stop and we met up again.
And on that note, I’m off to catch a Line #2 train to Jing’an Temple; dinner with Greta and Sally awaits. Keep it real.
In Prague, a clock immediately begins counting as soon as a train leaves the station, so you can see how long it’s been since a train left. Here, they take it a step further. There are televisions on the platform that show the time until the next train AND the trains following that. The first clock usually shows a waiting time of less than three minutes and the next clock is about eight minutes. And sure enough, when the clock gets to 0:00, a train has either pulled into the station or is on its way in. I liken the clocks to some pro athletes and South Philly girls – they are bold and cocky, and I like it.
The transit systems back home don’t bother putting up clocks telling you when the last train left or when the next train is coming. “The less you know, the better” seems to be the mentality. It lends itself well to plausible deniability - when something goes wrong, none of the transit employees know anything. I dig it. “Oh, you want to know when the next train is coming? Beats me, buddy. But let me know if you find out.” It doesn’t seem like many take pride in their work or maybe it’s just me. In any case….
Prague doesn’t settle for that. It tells you when the last train left so you know: if it’s only been a couple minutes, prepare to wait; if it gets to ten minutes, expect something soon. And then there is Shanghai. The clocks are programmed to show when the next train is coming. It’s up-to-the-minute based on sensors in the tunnels. It’s just this simple: trains running on schedules. How about that?
The drawback is your purse might get stuck in the doors as they close. You give it a tug and it comes loose, but then you look-up and see the good-looking guy you’re traveling with still standing on the platform because the doors were that militant about closing. This happened to Greta one day as we were getting on the train. But we handled it well. She got off at the next stop and we met up again.
And on that note, I’m off to catch a Line #2 train to Jing’an Temple; dinner with Greta and Sally awaits. Keep it real.
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11 comments:
Chris.....I don't think I would like the train system there; It's much more fun when you have to keep looking at your watch; tapping your foot; and better yet, placing a bet with the person your with as to how long it will take before the next train gets there...LOL
love, Mom xo
That was the most fun reading I have ever done on public transportation. You can't tell by my grammer, but I'm a "reader"! Thanks Chris!
Chris.Spta..do you mean Septa?who copied off who? Love, aunt eileen
Leen....I was thinking the same thing....I guess we share a brain....LOL
love, El
just got a chance to read your blog today...your mom's right - definitely worth it!!! you should be a writer, seriously!
Chris. Since we are on the subject of trains.As you know i ride the R1Airport line quite often. The Eastwick station is where I usually catch the train. It has become a popular boarding spot for tourist who are staying at the near by hotels. A few weeks ago there were some Chinese tourist(honest) waiting for the train. Only one of them spoke English...He asked for directions. They were headed for the Art Museum and U of P. Should I help? Of course....WE boared the train , departed at 30th street station.. and showed them the best kept secret in Philly..the LINEAR Park trail along the Schuykill RIVER( i know you have ran it or walked it,,not sure your mom has)..anyway...told them to walk the trail..it leads to the back of the art Museum...then reverse the walk back to Market...stay on Market....don't venture north....and U of P was there....also told them about the U of P train station...Hoped I helped them ..never read anything about tourist lost on the trail....Moral of the story>>>no moral...just try to treat others the way you would like to be treated...Take care..keep safe...love. aunt eileen....ps. I am thinking of opening up an information booth at the station, but i think i need a permit.. ...
CC - I have just caught up on all of your postings. This is some really funny stuff.
I'm dead serious when I say you need to advance you're obvious hobbies of both photography and writing. Why the heck aren't you a photo journalist for National Geographic or some Travel magazine?!?! I'd be happy to travel with you - we could eat and drink all over the world, I'd just have to rely on your photography skills to record our journey's...
Thanks for keeping us up to date with your latest experiences!
Fahey
once a day, someone at shining through comes up to me and asks "HOW IS CHRIS DOING?" and i respond, like the lady i am: "WHY DON'T YOU READ HIS MO*(&*(^*&^%&*^*&^(*&&(& BLOG!"
MISS YOU. don't miss chicago -- it is cold and snowy here.
i enjoy your blogs. FOR GODS SAKE USE YOUR WRITING TALENT AND DON'T COME BACK TO INSURANCE.
chris, i agree with bree-bree. i have enjoyed your blog. i've actually forgotten how funny you were until i found some of the e-mails you sent pre-marketing days. sounds like you're enjoying your journey. and i feel like i'm right there with you. thanks for sharing.
we miss you. don't forget, it's bree-bree's birthday on thursday.
Chris.....not only do I get to read your GREAT stories, now I get to read the GREAT comments! Love it! (and you)
love, Mom xo
Chris,
This is wonderful! The dry cleaning saga had me laughing out loud. The others are right - pursue writing - you have a gift.
Keep it coming,
Betsy Copestick Strittmatter
(your dad's cousin:
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