Here in D.C, I've just started noticing the following innovations. Crosswalk signs now have digital readouts saying that you have exactly X number of seconds before you can no longer cross. They also have the typical no walk and walk flashers. What is the purpose of that timer? It's total redundancy. I've also noticed the Underground Metro now has digital readouts saying how long before the next train arrives. Is it really needed? sure, I feel better knowing but why are we putting money into these systems? We need more trains and tunnels...not timers. Patience is a virtue. Just relax people. The light will change. The train will come. Waste of money if you ask me. ------------------ humble, but hungry.
The timers tell you how much time you have left -- you can make a judgment as to whether or not you can make it across in time. The flashers only tell you when you're time is up... at which point your butt may be in the middle of the intersection with cars coming at you. lol. Well, that's my explanation anyway. ------------------ "We need a chicken butt." -- heypartner is moving swiftly to help make the CC.net BBS more efficient and run faster. RAM was the first step, apparently this is the second!
I like those things. Either way, you're going to get the idiots that are in the middle of the intersection when the light turns green because they didn't realize how much time was left. It'd make me feel better when I honk my horn and flip them off. ------------------ www.swirve.com...The reason Al Gore invented the internet.
What I can't stand is when people totally go ballistic when a light is red or something like that. JUST CHILL!!! Life happens quickly then you die. Enjoy it a bit more. So what if it takes longer at a light? No one is in so much of a rush that they need to flip over a train passing or something like that . . . Unless you're an ambulence, then you can do whatever you want. ------------------ All your hoes are belong to us
Somehow I don't think BrianK would agree with you. Huh Brian? ------------------ Everything you do, effects everything that is.
Speaking of that, does anyone know FOR A FACT that those "Push When Red" buttons actually work? I mean, does the machine honestly take into account that button? I theorize that the button is just there to placate impatient people and make them feel better. It's like getting into an elevator. Hitting the button once or a hundred times is the same. STOP TAPPING THE DAMN BUTTON!!! Elevators make me nervous enough without people screwing with the buttons. ------------------ AAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!
I don't know about the crosswalk signs, but the digital readouts for subways are awesome. They are especially useful for special situations when there is a trainjam or delay of some sort -- people can make alternative arrangements if needed. When I was in D.C., sometimes we'd wait 10 or 15 minutes only to learn there was a problem a few stations down that would delay us 15 or 20 more minutes. We could easily have switched to a different line if we knew that. I can see those being very helpful, and not too expensive given there are only like 70 or so stations on the system (as opposed to the thousands of potential crosswalks). ------------------ http://www.swirve.com ... more fun than a barrel full of monkeys and midgets.
Good Point Jeff. No telling how many times I pushed that red button and nothing happened for several moments. I think its designed for late at night when the lights stay a certain color till a car drives up. But if there is no traffic, why/who would wait? ------------------ Nice guys finish last ... and im surely not going to finish last!
The crosswalk buttons do not make the light change faster, unless there are no cars headed your direction. They make the light remain in your favor longer because a couple of cars can clear the intersection faster than an old lady with a walker. ------------------ "We messed with the Bull, and we got the horns." -- Larry Brown "quote" from AirBullard.com
