Shanghai is experimenting with a crowdsourced bus system where residents can suggest and vote on customized bus routes. These "customized bus lines" cater to specific commuter needs, offering more direct routes and convenient stops based on popular demand. The program aims to improve public transit efficiency and address the "last mile" problem, particularly benefiting commuters in less densely populated areas or those with unconventional work schedules. The pilot program has seen strong initial interest, with thousands of suggested routes and numerous lines already operating, proving a popular supplement to the city's existing fixed-route bus network.
Transit agencies are repeatedly lured by hydrogen buses despite their significant drawbacks compared to battery-electric buses. Hydrogen buses are far more expensive to operate, requiring costly hydrogen production and fueling infrastructure, while battery-electric buses leverage existing electrical grids. Hydrogen technology also suffers from lower efficiency, meaning more energy is wasted in producing and delivering hydrogen compared to simply charging batteries. While proponents tout hydrogen's faster refueling time, battery technology advancements are closing that gap, and improved route planning can minimize the impact of charging times. Ultimately, the article argues that the continued investment in hydrogen buses is driven by lobbying and a misguided belief in hydrogen's potential, rather than a sound economic or environmental assessment.
Hacker News commenters largely agree with the article's premise that hydrogen buses are an inefficient and costly alternative to battery-electric buses. Several commenters point out the significantly lower lifecycle costs and superior efficiency of battery-electric technology, citing real-world examples and studies. Some discuss the lobbying power of the fossil fuel industry as a driving force behind hydrogen adoption, framing it as a way to preserve existing gas infrastructure. A few offer counterpoints, suggesting niche applications where hydrogen might be viable, like very long routes or extreme climates, but these are generally met with skepticism, with other users arguing that even in these scenarios, battery-electric solutions are superior. The overall sentiment leans heavily towards battery-electric as the more practical and environmentally sound option for public transit.
Self-driving buses, operating in simpler, more controlled environments than robotaxis, are emerging as a potentially faster route to widespread autonomous vehicle adoption. These buses can navigate fixed routes with fewer unpredictable variables, making them easier to deploy and potentially build public trust in autonomous technology. While challenges like complex intersections and pedestrian interactions remain, successful pilot programs suggest that autonomous buses could not only improve public transit but also pave the way for wider acceptance and eventual expansion of self-driving technology to personal vehicles.
HN commenters are generally skeptical of the claims made in the article about the potential of autonomous buses. Several point out the limitations of current self-driving technology, particularly in complex environments and unpredictable weather. Some highlight the "last mile" problem and doubt that these buses offer a significant advantage over existing public transit. Others question the economic viability, suggesting the cost and maintenance of these specialized vehicles might outweigh the benefits. A few commenters bring up safety concerns and the potential for accidents, referencing previous incidents involving autonomous vehicles. There's also discussion of the regulatory hurdles and public acceptance challenges that need to be overcome. While some express a degree of optimism, the overall sentiment appears to be cautious pessimism about the near-term impact of autonomous buses.
Subway Stories is a crowdsourced collection of short, true anecdotes about everyday life on the New York City subway. These vignettes capture the diverse range of human experiences that unfold underground, from chance encounters and acts of kindness to moments of absurdity and quiet observation. The website serves as a digital tapestry of the city's vibrant and often unpredictable subterranean world, offering a glimpse into the lives of the millions who pass through its tunnels each day. It's a testament to the shared humanity and unique character of the NYC subway, presenting a mosaic of moments that are both relatable and distinctly New York.
Hacker News users discuss the "Subway Stories" project, largely praising its nostalgic and artistic value. Some commenters share personal anecdotes of their own subway experiences, echoing the themes of chance encounters and shared humanity found on the site. Others analyze the technical aspects of the project, appreciating its minimalist design and questioning the choice of technology used. A few express skepticism about the authenticity of some submissions, while others lament the decline of similar community art projects in the internet age. The overall sentiment is positive, with many users finding the site to be a refreshing reminder of the unique human tapestry of the New York City subway system.
Summary of Comments ( 291 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43980845
Hacker News commenters discuss the impracticality of Shanghai's proposed on-demand bus system, citing issues with scaling, routing efficiency, and the potential for gaming the system by individual riders. Some doubt the "design your own route" claim, suggesting it's more likely a system for proposing new fixed routes or adjusting existing ones based on community input. Others compare it to existing dial-a-ride services or express bus systems, arguing this isn't truly innovative. A few express cautious optimism, hoping for a successful implementation despite the challenges, and suggesting potential benefits like reduced congestion and personalized commutes. Several also raise concerns about potential abuse and unfairness if riders with longer commutes or those living in less populated areas are prioritized.
The Hacker News post titled "Bus stops here: Shanghai lets riders design their own routes," linking to a Sixth Tone article, has generated a significant discussion with a variety of perspectives.
Several commenters express skepticism about the long-term viability and scalability of the on-demand bus service described in the article. They question how the system will handle increasing demand and complex routing, particularly during peak hours. Concerns are raised about the potential for longer travel times compared to fixed routes, and whether the algorithm optimizing the routes is truly efficient. Some suggest that the current success might be due to the pilot program's limited scope and subsidized fares, and that broader implementation could face challenges.
Others highlight the potential benefits of such a system, particularly for areas with poor fixed-route coverage. They argue it could offer greater flexibility and convenience for commuters, especially those in less densely populated areas or with non-standard work schedules. The ability to cater to specific needs, such as accessibility requirements, is also mentioned as a positive aspect.
A few commenters draw parallels to similar initiatives in other parts of the world, pointing to both successes and failures. Some mention existing on-demand transportation services and suggest the Shanghai model might face similar hurdles. Others express hope that the learnings from these other projects can be applied to improve the Shanghai system.
There's a discussion about the technological aspects of the system, with some speculating about the algorithms and data used to optimize routes. Questions are raised about the real-time nature of the system and its ability to adapt to changing traffic conditions.
Several users discuss the cultural context of the project, noting the differences between transportation systems in China and other countries. Some point to the higher population density in Chinese cities as a potential factor influencing the success of such a service.
Finally, some commenters express a desire for more detailed information about the system, including data on ridership, cost, and the algorithms used. They suggest that a more rigorous analysis is needed to determine the true effectiveness and scalability of the project.