Paris's efforts to reduce car traffic have resulted in a significant drop in air pollution. After implementing policies like pedestrianizing streets, expanding bike lanes, and restricting car access, nitrogen dioxide levels have decreased dramatically, particularly in the city center. This improvement in air quality translates to substantial health benefits for residents, with fewer premature deaths and respiratory illnesses anticipated. While some areas still experience elevated pollution levels, the overall trend demonstrates the positive impact of prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists over cars.
After nearly 50 years and over 100,000 miles traversing the harsh Antarctic terrain, "Ivan the Terra Bus," a specially modified Ford Econoline, has been retired. Originally designed for a trans-Antarctic expedition in the 1970s, Ivan became a vital transport link for scientists at McMurdo Station, capable of carrying both passengers and cargo across the ice and snow. Now replaced by more modern vehicles, Ivan will return to the United States to be displayed at the U.S. Antarctic Program's headquarters, preserving its legacy as an iconic symbol of Antarctic exploration.
HN commenters generally expressed sadness at Ivan's retirement, viewing it as the end of an era. Several recalled fond memories of the vehicle from their time in Antarctica, emphasizing its reliability and iconic status. Some questioned the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the newer vehicles replacing Ivan, speculating they might not be as well-suited to the harsh Antarctic environment. There was also discussion of the logistics of transporting Ivan back to the US, and the potential for it to end up in a museum. A few commenters pointed out the apparent discrepancy between the article's claim of Ivan being retired and the linked Antarctic Sun article mentioning its continued use for cargo.
The first ammonia-powered container ship, built by MAN Energy Solutions, has encountered a delay. Originally slated for a 2024 launch, the ship's delivery has been pushed back due to challenges in securing approval for its novel ammonia-fueled engine. While the engine itself has passed initial tests, it still requires certification from classification societies, a process that is proving more complex and time-consuming than anticipated given the nascent nature of ammonia propulsion technology. This setback underscores the hurdles that remain in bringing ammonia fuel into mainstream maritime operations.
HN commenters discuss the challenges of ammonia fuel, focusing on its lower energy density compared to traditional fuels and the difficulties in handling it safely due to its toxicity. Some highlight the complexity and cost of the required infrastructure, including specialized storage and bunkering facilities. Others express skepticism about ammonia's viability as a green fuel, citing the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process currently used for its production. One commenter notes the potential for ammonia to play a role in specific niches like long-haul shipping where its energy density disadvantage is less critical. The discussion also touches on alternative fuels like methanol and hydrogen, comparing their respective pros and cons against ammonia. Several commenters mention the importance of lifecycle analysis to accurately assess the environmental impact of different fuel options.
Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service is now available on the Uber app in Austin, Texas. This expansion offers Uber users the option to hail a fully autonomous ride, powered by Waymo's fifth-generation Waymo Driver, in select central areas of the city. Initially, rides will be provided in a "rider-only" configuration with no human driver present, but future plans include testing rides with a trained vehicle operator. This partnership builds on previous collaborations between Waymo and Uber in Phoenix and San Francisco.
HN commenters are generally positive about the Waymo-Uber partnership, viewing it as a pragmatic and beneficial move for both companies. Some express surprise, given the prior contentious lawsuit between them, but see this as a sign of maturity and a focus on customer benefit. Several commenters highlight the potential for increased competition and innovation in the autonomous vehicle space, leading to better service and wider availability for consumers. A few raise concerns about potential monopolies forming and the long-term implications for drivers, but the overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism about the collaboration. Several commenters also speculate about the technical and logistical challenges of integrating the two systems, and question the specifics of the revenue sharing model.
Amazon has halted its drone delivery operations in College Station, Texas, less than two years after launching the service there. While Amazon claims the pause is temporary and part of a "normal business operations" evolution, the move raises questions about the viability and scalability of the company's drone delivery ambitions. The company states it remains committed to drone delivery and plans to resume service in College Station at some point, but has not provided a timeline. This pause follows a similar shutdown in California earlier this year and comes amidst broader cost-cutting measures at Amazon.
HN commenters discuss the abrupt halt of Amazon's drone delivery program in College Station, expressing skepticism about the viability of drone delivery in general. Some suggest the technology isn't mature enough, citing concerns about noise, safety, and scalability. Others speculate about behind-the-scenes issues like regulatory hurdles, cost-effectiveness problems, or even technical failures. A few commenters point out the limited scope of the program and question whether it was ever intended to be more than a pilot project. The overall sentiment seems to be one of disappointment mixed with a belief that drone delivery still faces significant obstacles.
"The Moped King" profiles Fly E-Bikes, a New York City business thriving amidst a surge in e-bike and moped usage. The article highlights owner Eric's dominance in the market, fueled by affordable Chinese imports and a brisk repair business driven by battery fires, often caused by cheap or damaged lithium-ion batteries. While acknowledging the convenience and affordability these vehicles provide for delivery workers and other New Yorkers, the piece raises concerns about safety issues stemming from both the batteries themselves and reckless riding habits. This booming, yet unregulated, industry presents a complex challenge for the city as it grapples with traffic congestion and fire safety.
Many Hacker News commenters express concern about the safety of e-bike batteries, particularly those used by delivery workers who often modify or overload them. Several recount personal experiences or link to news stories of e-bike battery fires. Some discuss the underlying technical reasons for these fires, including cheap battery construction and improper charging practices. Others focus on the lack of regulation and oversight, suggesting stricter standards for e-bikes and their batteries. A few commenters mention alternative solutions, like swappable battery stations, and some question the framing of the article, pointing out the inherent dangers of lithium-ion batteries in general, not just in e-bikes. A number of commenters sympathize with delivery drivers, highlighting the economic pressures that lead them to use cheaper, potentially more dangerous e-bikes and modifications.
Struggling electric truck manufacturer Nikola has filed for bankruptcy after years of financial difficulties and broken promises. The company, once touted as a Tesla rival, faced numerous setbacks including production delays, fraud allegations against its founder, and dwindling investor confidence. This bankruptcy filing marks the end of the road for the troubled startup, which was unable to overcome its challenges and deliver on its ambitious vision for zero-emission trucking.
Hacker News commenters on Nikola's bankruptcy expressed little surprise, with many citing the company's history of dubious claims and questionable leadership as the root cause. Several pointed to Trevor Milton's fraud conviction as a pivotal moment, highlighting the erosion of trust and investor confidence. Some discussed the challenges of the electric vehicle market, particularly for startups attempting to compete with established players. A few commenters questioned the viability of hydrogen fuel cells in the trucking industry, suggesting that battery-electric technology is the more practical path. Overall, the sentiment reflects skepticism towards Nikola's long-term prospects, even before the bankruptcy filing.
Electric truck maker Nikola has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after struggling for years to meet production targets and facing financial difficulties. The company, once touted as a Tesla rival, has seen its stock price plummet and faced numerous setbacks, including fraud allegations against its founder. Nikola's bankruptcy filing signals a significant downturn for the once-promising electric vehicle startup.
Hacker News commenters on Nikola's bankruptcy filing express little surprise, with many citing the company's history of misleading claims and lack of viable product as the root cause. Several point to the founder, Trevor Milton's, fraud conviction as a pivotal moment, highlighting the damage done to the company's credibility. Some discuss the broader implications for the EV truck market, suggesting that Nikola's failure doesn't necessarily reflect poorly on the sector as a whole, but rather on companies built on hype rather than substance. A few commenters express skepticism about hydrogen fuel cell technology's viability in the trucking industry, while others suggest Nikola's existing assets might be valuable to other players in the market. There's a general sense of disappointment and a belief that Nikola's downfall was predictable.
Donald Shoup, a UCLA urban planning professor, revolutionized parking policy by highlighting its hidden costs and advocating for market-based solutions. His influential book, The High Cost of Free Parking, argues that artificially low or free parking minimums lead to increased traffic congestion, sprawling development, and environmental harm. Shoup champions removing minimum parking requirements and implementing dynamic pricing, where parking prices adjust based on demand, ensuring availability and generating revenue that can be reinvested in the community. This approach aims to create more efficient, livable, and sustainable cities.
Hacker News users discussed the inflexibility of Shoup's parking model, particularly its struggles to adapt to changing demand (e.g., increased deliveries, ride-sharing). Some commenters argued that dynamic pricing, while theoretically sound, often faces political resistance and implementation challenges due to public perception and bureaucratic hurdles. Others pointed out that Shoup's focus on eliminating minimum parking requirements, while beneficial, doesn't fully address broader urban planning issues. The thread also touched upon the limitations of modeling and the difficulty of predicting long-term trends in transportation. A few users shared personal anecdotes of cities successfully implementing Shoup's ideas, while others highlighted the complexities and unintended consequences that can arise.
The article warns against accidentally taking the Tokyo Chuo Rapid Line all the way to its terminus, Takao Station, a mountainous area with limited transportation options, especially late at night. While Takao is a pleasant hiking destination, those intending to stay in Tokyo will find themselves stranded if they miss the last train back. The article advises checking the train's destination diligently and suggests alternative routes back to central Tokyo if stuck, including local Chuo Line trains, buses to Hachioji Station, and, as a last resort, expensive taxis. It emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and being aware of the train schedule to avoid this "station of despair."
Hacker News commenters discuss the impracticalities of the article's advice for someone stranded at Takao Station, the final stop on Tokyo's Chuo Rapid Line. Several point out the lack of available lodging, especially during peak seasons like autumn leaf viewing, making the suggestion to stay overnight unrealistic. Commenters also highlight the limited dining options and late-night closures, contradicting the article's portrayal of abundant food choices. The general sentiment is that the article fails to grasp the reality of the situation, offering unhelpful and potentially misleading information to those unfamiliar with the area. Some suggest the real "despair" is the crowded train ride back during rush hour, while others share personal anecdotes of similar experiences and offer more practical advice, like checking train schedules in advance and considering alternative transportation. The lack of late-night buses is also a recurring theme, emphasizing the limited options available to stranded passengers.
Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving unit, plans to expand its autonomous vehicle testing to over ten new US cities. Focusing on trucking and delivery services, Waymo will leverage its existing experience in Phoenix and San Francisco to gather data and refine its technology in diverse environments. This expansion aims to bolster the development and eventual commercial deployment of their autonomous driving systems for both passenger and freight transport.
HN commenters are generally skeptical of Waymo's expansion plans. Several point out that Waymo's current operational areas are geographically limited and relatively simple to navigate compared to more complex urban environments. Some question the viability of truly driverless technology in the near future, citing the ongoing need for human intervention and the difficulty of handling unpredictable situations. Others express concern about the safety implications of widespread autonomous vehicle deployment, particularly in densely populated areas. There's also discussion of the regulatory hurdles and public acceptance challenges that Waymo and other autonomous vehicle companies face. Finally, some commenters suggest Waymo's announcement is primarily a PR move designed to attract investment and maintain public interest.
The interactive map on Subwaysheds.com visualizes how far you can travel on the New York City subway system within a 40-minute timeframe from any given station. By selecting a station, the map reveals a shaded area encompassing all reachable destinations within that time limit. This allows users to quickly grasp the relative accessibility of different parts of the city from various starting points, highlighting the subway's reach and potential travel limitations. The map demonstrates how travel times vary greatly depending on the station's location and the interconnectedness of the lines, with some stations offering access to a much wider area than others within the same 40-minute window.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the visualization and the technical execution of the "Subway Sheds" project, finding it both interesting and well-designed. Several appreciated the choice of 40 minutes as a relatable timeframe for commute planning. Some discussed the limitations of the visualization, noting it doesn't account for transfer time or walking to/from stations, and pointed out discrepancies with their own commute experiences. A few commenters offered suggestions for improvements, such as incorporating real-time data, displaying route options, and allowing users to input their own starting points and timeframes. Others shared anecdotal experiences of their commutes in different cities, comparing and contrasting them with the NYC subway system's reach as depicted in the visualization. A technical discussion also emerged regarding the algorithms and data used to generate the sheds, including the choice of using walking distances instead of incorporating bus routes.
Dhruv Vidyut offers a conversion kit to electrify any bicycle. The kit includes a hub motor wheel, a battery pack, a controller, and all necessary accessories for installation. Their website highlights its ease of installation, affordability compared to buying a new e-bike, and customizability with different motor power and battery capacity options. It's marketed as a sustainable and practical solution for urban commuting and leisure riding, transforming a regular bicycle into a versatile electric vehicle.
Hacker News users generally praised the simplicity and ingenuity of the electric bicycle conversion kit shown on the linked website. Several commenters appreciated the clear instructions and readily available parts, making it a seemingly accessible project for DIY enthusiasts. Some questioned the long-term durability, particularly regarding water resistance and the strength of the 3D-printed components. Others discussed potential improvements, like adding regenerative braking or using a different motor. A few pointed out the legality of such conversions, depending on local regulations regarding e-bikes. There was also discussion about the overall efficiency compared to purpose-built e-bikes and whether the added weight impacted the riding experience.
The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, revolutionized the auto industry by popularizing hybrid technology. While not the first hybrid, its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability brought the technology into the mainstream. This spurred other automakers to develop their own hybrid models, driving innovation and establishing hybrid powertrains as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline engines. The Prius's success also elevated Toyota's brand image, associating it with environmental consciousness and technological advancement, paving the way for broader acceptance of electrified vehicles.
Hacker News commenters generally agree that the Prius had a significant impact, but debate its nature. Some argue it normalized hybrids, paving the way for EVs, while others credit it with popularizing fuel efficiency as a desirable trait. A few contend its main contribution was demonstrating the viability of electronically controlled cars, enabling further innovation. Several commenters share personal anecdotes about Prius ownership, highlighting its reliability and practicality. Some critique its driving experience and aesthetics, while others discuss the social signaling aspect of owning one. The environmental impact is also debated, with some questioning the overall benefit of hybrids compared to other solutions. A recurring theme is Toyota's missed opportunity to capitalize on its early lead in the hybrid market and transition more aggressively to full EVs.
Summary of Comments ( 97 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43665793
HN commenters generally agree with the premise that reducing car traffic improves air pollution, citing Paris as a successful example. Several highlight the importance of prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, suggesting this benefits both the environment and public health. Some discuss the challenges of such transitions, including political resistance and the need for robust public transport alternatives. A few express skepticism about the study's methodology, questioning whether the measured improvements are solely attributable to reduced car traffic or influenced by other factors like weather patterns. One commenter points to the positive impact of electric vehicles, while another raises concerns about the potential displacement of pollution to surrounding areas.
The Hacker News post titled "Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change" (linking to a Washington Post article about air pollution improvements in Paris) generated several comments, many of which expressed skepticism about the direct causal link between the city's traffic reduction policies and the improved air quality.
Several commenters pointed out that the timeframe of the study coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, suggesting that the decrease in economic activity and travel, rather than solely Parisian policies, likely played a significant role in the air quality improvements. One commenter specifically mentioned that the study period began in March 2020, the exact time lockdowns were implemented, further bolstering this argument.
Others questioned the methodology of the study, raising concerns about attributing the changes solely to Paris's policies without considering broader regional or global factors influencing air pollution. Some commenters highlighted the potential impact of weather patterns and wind direction on pollution levels, suggesting these variables weren't adequately addressed.
A few commenters also discussed the complexity of measuring and interpreting air pollution data, with one noting the difference between background pollution levels and localized spikes. They argued that while overall trends might show improvement, localized areas could still experience high pollution levels.
There was also a discussion about the trade-offs associated with restricting car usage. Some commenters acknowledged the benefits of reduced pollution but questioned the impact on the city's economy and the practicality of the implemented restrictions.
Finally, some commenters shared anecdotal experiences or observations about air quality in Paris, both positive and negative, offering personal perspectives on the issue. Some agreed that the air seemed cleaner, while others contested this, adding nuances to the general discussion.