Thailand decides to continue free public transport. Taiwan should copy this plan.

Free public transport would go a long way towards reducing noise and traffic congestion in Taiwan. It would reduce the demand for transport fuel and mean sending less money overseas to buy that fuel.

Free public bus & train services to continue for 6 more months: "BANGKOK, 31 March 2013 (NNT) - The mobile Cabinet meeting has decided to extend the free transport service, intended for low-income public, for another six months. "

汽車衍生種種問題 | This Big City 城事

汽車衍生種種問題 | This Big City 城事: "縱然車速緩慢，汽車依然主導街道，威脅其他用路人，若再加上高速，就會完全壟斷街道，導致許多民眾不願步行，更不想嘗試騎單車，以數據而言，步行與單車或許屬低風險活動，對健康也利多於弊，但在以汽車需求為主的道路網裡，行人與單車騎士大多感到討厭或可怕。"

'via Blog this'

Taiwan to spend more on rail than roads - intelligent place, Taiwan

Rail transport in Taiwan is streaming ahead 

as a result of ROC government policies promoting greener

and more sustainable transportation systems. (CNA)

Taiwan Today: "According to the CEPD, government investment in 2013 rail track construction, as a percentage of all major public infrastructure projects, will break the 30 percent mark for the first time. At the same time, the proportion set aside for road construction will drop below 20 percent."

Thailand discussing expansion of free buses

Govt won't pay for free bus rides | Bangkok Post: news: "Mr Chadchat was reacting to Pheu Thai Party candidate Pongsapat Pongcharoen's campaign pledge to make all non-aircon bus services free of charge if he becomes governor.

Pol Gen Pongsapat has said his free bus fare scheme would be jointly subsidised by the Pheu Thai-led government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Currently, services on certain routes are free thanks to a government subsidy. The bus services are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority under supervision of the Transport Ministry."

'via Blog this'

Pacific islands drop diesel for 100 percent solar power - AlertNet

Pacific islands drop diesel for 100 percent solar power - AlertNet: "
The island nation of Tokelau switched on the third and final installment of its new solar energy grid last week, earning praise around the world as the first country to become entirely solar-powered—except it’s not a country.

...Though its economy runs almost entirely on the sale of fishing licenses and Internet domain names and the atolls boast “at most” five motor vehicles, Tokelau still imported over 2,000 barrels of diesel per year at a cost of $1 million New Zealand dollars ($825,000)  to provide electricity to its approximately 1,400 people."

'via Blog this'

Taiwan can jump ahead with free transit

The automobile is dragging down economies all over the world. The traffic jams, wasted space, noise, and collisions are just part of this tremendously wasteful method of moving people.

Taiwan should make public transit fare free. Start with city buses. Then gradually start banning cars from some streets. Eventually the cities can be car-free.

The elimination of this waste will mean cleaner air, lower carbon emissions, and much less money exported for oil. This will leapfrog the Taiwan economy and create a quieter, more beautiful island.

Don't like noise? Make buses fare-free, reduce traffic

BBC News - Taiwan's noise pollution dilemma: "Some of the noise is typical of any developed country - jackhammers, drills and car alarms. But some are telling of Taiwan's lifestyle: herds of scooters - they're cheaper than cars and easier to park, but louder."

'via Blog this'