woman walking in urban area

Reasons To Consider Walking In NYC

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What’s your preferred mode of transportation? Although most of us would like to have our own car so we can go anywhere and at the convenience of going there at any time, that isn’t always possible for all. One of the most economical and healthiest modes of transportation is walking.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Walking In NY

In cities like New York City, there are many reasons to consider walking instead of using other means of transport.

Cost-Effective

Walking is one of the cheapest ways to get around, and you don’t need to purchase anything like a MetroCard or pay for a taxi. All you need to do is put on your walking shoes and hit the sidewalk! No matter how near or far you want, you can definitely reach it without paying anything. All you need to spend is time while walking.

Health Benefits

Regular exercise goes hand-in-hand with living in an urban area, and walking is one of the best ways to get some exercise without having to sign up for a gym membership. Walking regularly can help you stay in shape, lose weight, and even prevent chronic diseases.

Accessibility to All Areas

Unlike other forms of transportation such as buses or the subway, walking does not limit you to certain areas or routes. You can go wherever and whenever you want! New York City streets are full of exciting places to explore, from iconic landmarks like Central Park and Times Square to small alleyways with unique stores or restaurants.

Environmentally Friendly

Walking is one of the most eco-friendly ways to get around without causing pollution or emitting emissions into the air. Although carpooling does help decrease the pollution produced, one of the best ways to completely avoid it is by walking. By choosing this form of transport, you are helping reduce your carbon footprint and doing your part for the environment.

Enjoy The Sites

Walking in NYC is a great way to stay connected with your surroundings. You can get the opportunity to witness historic monuments, immerse yourself in street art and graffiti, observe the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and enjoy amazing views of the cityscape!

Benefits Of Walking

Walking is one of the most efficient and cost-effective forms of transportation available. Not only is it free, but it also provides numerous health benefits that make it an attractive option for those living in cities like New York City. Walking can help improve physical fitness, reduce stress levels, and strengthen the body’s immune system. Furthermore, walking is an environmentally friendly way to get around as there are no emissions produced and no pollution created.

When walking in NYC, you have access to a number of areas that other types of transportation may not be able to reach. You can explore the city’s historic landmarks such as Central Park or Times Square and discover new alleyways with unique stores or restaurants that you may not be able to find on your own. Additionally, you can witness street art and graffiti up close and personal which are often hard to see from far away. Moreover, by walking you can take in some amazing views of the cityscape that will leave a lasting impression on your mind.

Health benefits aside, walking has a number of other advantages over relying on motorized transport. For instance, it is much quieter than riding in cars or taking public transportation which means you can truly experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life without the usual disturbance associated with these modes of travel. Furthermore, walking is considered one of the safest ways to get around; not only do you not have to be concerned about getting into accidents but you also don’t need to worry about being robbed as compared to if you were traveling in your vehicle or taking a subway train late at night.

In addition to these tangible benefits, there are also mental health benefits associated with walking in NYC. Going out for walks allows people time away from their screens while being exposed to nature’s beauty at the same time which helps reduce stress levels; studies suggest that natural environments may provide psychological relief from anxiety and depression symptoms due to their calming effect on moods when spending time outdoors. Additionally, regular exercise such as going for walks can improve cognitive performance by providing more oxygenated blood flow throughout the body which helps increase alertness and alertness reduces confusion levels which leads to better focus overall.

For all these reasons (and more!), there are many compelling reasons why everyone should consider walking instead of relying solely on public transportation or motorized transport when visiting NYC – whether for leisurely trips or just daily commutes! Walking is an easy way to stay connected with your surroundings while providing both physical and mental health benefits along with being environmentally friendly. So next time you’re planning a visit or commute through New York City – give yourself some extra time so that you can go out for a walk – after all, it’s free!

automated bus

Automated Transportation And Safety

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When we talk about automation in transportation, there are still mixed opinions about it. There are people who can see how automation can improve the public transport system however, there are still some who are skeptical about it. As automated transportation becomes more prevalent, the need for safety measures to prevent accidents will also increase. This will explore some of the potential safety measures that could be implemented in order to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers in automated vehicles.

Safety Concerns Of Automated Transportation

As with any new technology, there are always safety concerns that need to be addressed. When it comes to automated transportation, there are a few key safety concerns that need to be taken into account.

Risk of Cyber Attacks

One of the biggest safety concerns is the risk of cyber attacks. As automated vehicles become more connected, they become more vulnerable to attacks from hackers. These attacks could potentially disable the vehicles or even worse, cause them to crash. In order to prevent these types of attacks, it is important to have strong security measures in place.

Risk of Human Error

Another safety concern is the risk of human error. Even though automated vehicles are designed to be safer than traditional vehicles, there is still the potential for human error to occur. For example, if a driver inputs the wrong destination into the navigation system, the vehicle could end up going to the wrong location. To prevent these kinds of mistakes from happening, it is important to have fail-safes in place.

Risk of Equipment Failure

Another safety concern is the risk of equipment failure. If an automated vehicle experiences a technical malfunction, it could potentially cause an accident. To prevent these types of accidents from happening, it is important to have a robust maintenance and repair program in place.

Potential Safety Measures

In order to address the safety concerns of automated transportation, there are a few potential measures that could be put in place.

Improved Cyber Security

One measure that could be put in place is improved cyber security. As mentioned before, automated vehicles are at risk of cyber attacks. In order to prevent these attacks from happening, it is important to have strong security measures in place. This could include encrypting data transmitted between vehicles and implementing security protocols.

Human Oversight

Another measure that could be put in place is human oversight. This would involve having someone monitor the automated vehicles at all times. This person would be responsible for intervening if they detect a problem.

Regular Maintenance

Another measure that could be put in place is regular maintenance. As mentioned before, equipment failure is a major safety concern. In order to prevent these failures from happening, it is important to have a robust maintenance and repair program in place. This program should include regular inspections and tests of automated vehicles.

Improved Training

Another measure that could be put in place is improved training. As mentioned before, human error is a major safety concern. In order to prevent these mistakes from happening, it is important to provide drivers with adequate training. This training should include how to properly use the automation systems and what to do in the event of an equipment failure.

Conclusion

Automated transportation has the potential to improve the public transport system however, there are still some safety concerns that need to be addressed. In order to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers, it is important to put measures in place. These measures could include improved cyber security, human oversight, regular maintenance, and improved training.

woman waiting for public transport

Why Expanding Public Transport Options Is Important For Community Growth

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Public transportation is an important aspect of any community. It helps to connect people with their surroundings and makes it easier for them to get around. Fortunately, NYC has an extensive and reliable network of public transport, which includes the NYC Subway. However, public transportation options are limited in other areas, which can have a negative impact on the community as a whole. Today, we will explore why expanding public transport options is so important, and discuss some of the benefits that come with doing so.

Reasons To Expand Public Transport Options

There are many reasons why expanding public transport options is important. Some of the most notable benefits include:

Reducing traffic congestion

Traffic congestion is a major problem in many cities around the world. By expanding public transport options, we can reduce the number of people who rely on cars, which will help to ease traffic congestion.

Reducing pollution

Cars are a major source of pollution, and by reducing the number of cars on the road, we can also reduce pollution levels.

Improving social and economic mobility

Public transportation helps to connect people with jobs, schools, and other important facilities. By expanding public transport options, we can make it easier for people to get around, which will help to improve social and economic mobility.

Promoting sustainable development

Public transportation is a low-carbon form of transportation, which means that it helps to promote sustainable development.

Improving the quality of life

All of the aforementioned benefits lead to one overarching benefit – improved quality of life for all members of the community. When traffic is reduced, pollution is lowered, and people can more easily get around, it results in a better quality of life for everyone.

These are just a few of the reasons why expanding public transport options is so important. It’s clear that doing so comes with a number of benefits that benefit both the individual and the community as a whole.

The Importance Of Investing In Public Transport

One of the best ways to improve public transport options is to invest in it. When communities invest in public transport, they send a clear message that they are committed to providing residents with better transportation options. Furthermore, investment in public transport can lead to tangible improvements, such as new and improved infrastructure, more frequent and reliable service, and more comfortable and convenient vehicles.

Investing in public transport is important not only for the reasons mentioned above but also because it helps to create jobs. The construction and operation of public transport require a significant amount of manpower, which can help to boost employment levels in the community. In addition, many of the jobs created by public transport are good, middle-class jobs that provide workers with livable wages and benefits.

car sharing or carpooling

5 Ways To Make The Most Of Carpooling

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Few people would dispute the benefits of carpooling. Not only does it save money on gas and reduce pollution, but it also promotes social interaction, can help reduce traffic congestion, and is a great alternative for mass transport. But for many people, carpooling remains little more than a theoretical possibility. They may not know how to find someone to carpool with, or they may be worried that carpooling will be too much of a hassle. However, with our tips, you can make the most out of carpooling.

What Is Carpooling?

Carpooling is when two or more people share a ride together. It can be as informal as two friends who live near each other and decide to carpool to work every day, or it can be part of a larger, organized effort like a vanpool.

The Benefits Of Carpooling

There are many benefits of carpooling, but the three most important ones are saving money, reducing pollution, and reducing traffic congestion.

Carpooling saves you money because you can split the cost of gas with your carpool partners. If you carpool four days a week, you can save hundreds of dollars a month on gas. With the gas prices still up, who wouldn’t want to save that much money on gas?

Carpooling also reduces pollution. When you carpool, you are taking multiple cars off the road, which reduces the amount of pollution that is emitted into the atmosphere. This is important for both the environment and your health.

Lastly, carpooling can help reduce traffic congestion. When more people carpool, there are fewer cars on the road. This can help reduce traffic congestion, making your commute shorter and less stressful.

5 Ways To Make The Most Of Carpooling

Now that we’ve covered the basics of carpooling and its many benefits, let’s get into how you can make the most of carpooling.

1. Find The Right Carpool Partner

The first step to making the most of carpooling is to find the right carpool partner. You want to find someone who you feel comfortable riding with, and who you can trust to be reliable. It’s also important to find someone who lives close to you and has a similar schedule.

2. Set Some Ground Rules

Once you’ve found the perfect carpool partner, it’s time to set some ground rules. You’ll need to decide on things like how often you’ll carpool, what days and times you’ll carpool, and who will drive. It’s important to be clear about these things from the start to avoid any confusion down the road.

3. Create A Carpool Schedule

Once you’ve decided on the days and times you’ll be carpooling, it’s time to create a schedule. This will help you stay organized and keep track of who is driving and when. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case someone can’t make it to the carpool.

4. Be Flexible

Carpooling is all about being flexible. There will be days when your carpool partner can’t make it, or when you need to leave early. When this happens, it’s important to be flexible and adjust your plans accordingly.

5. Have Fun!

Last but not least, don’t forget to have fun! Carpooling is a great way to socialize and meet new people. So relax, enjoy the ride, and make the most of your carpooling experience.

automated bus of the future

The Future Of Mass Transit: How Automation Will Change The Way We Travel

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The future is coming; the autonomous car has arrived. As it goes, so will go the mass transit system of tomorrow. With self-driving cars and buses on the horizon, transit agencies are looking for ways to incorporate this new technology into their systems. How will automation change the way we travel? What challenges will agencies face as they move to a more automated future?

Automation And Mass Transit

The rise of the autonomous vehicle has been accompanied by a lot of hype. Self-driving cars are often portrayed as the next big thing, a transformative technology that will revolutionize transportation. And there’s no doubt that they have the potential to do just that. But while the long-term implications of autonomous vehicles are still being sorted out, there’s one area where their impact is already being felt: mass transit.

With cities around the world facing increasing congestion and declining ridership, transit agencies are under pressure to find new ways to improve their service. And many see automation as a way to do just that. Automated trains and buses hold the promise of faster, more reliable service, and the possibility of reducing operating costs.

Challenges Faced By Transit Agencies Due To Automated Systems

But the transition to an automated future won’t be easy. There are a number of challenges that transit agencies will need to overcome as they move to a more automated system.

The first is technical.

The technology behind autonomous vehicles is still in its infancy, and there are a number of unresolved issues that need to be addressed before self-driving vehicles can be safely deployed on a wide scale.

The second challenge is regulatory.

Self-driving cars operate in a legal grey area, and it’s not yet clear how existing laws will apply to them. This could create problems for transit agencies that want to use autonomous vehicles, as they may need to obtain special permits or exemptions from existing regulations.

The third challenge is financial.

Transit agencies are already struggling to fund their operations, and the cost of deploying autonomous vehicles could be prohibitive. This could lead to a situation where only wealthy agencies are able to afford the transition to automation, exacerbating the disparities between rich and poor transit systems.

The fourth challenge is political.

The decision to automate a transit system is sure to be controversial, and it will be difficult to get everyone on board with the change. There will likely be resistance from riders who are comfortable with the status quo, as well as from unions that represent transit workers.

All of these challenges must be overcome if transit agencies are to successfully make the transition to an automated future. But despite the difficulties, many believe that the benefits of automation will be worth the effort.

The Benefits Of Automated Transit

There are a number of reasons why transit agencies should be excited about the potential of automated vehicles.

The first is speed.

Automated trains and buses can operate at higher speeds than their human-operated counterparts, which means they can cover more ground in less time. This could lead to shorter journey times for riders, as well as increased capacity on existing transit lines.

The second benefit is reliability.

Automated vehicles are less prone to errors than human-operated ones, which means they can provide a more reliable service. This could reduce delays and cancellations, and make mass transit a more attractive option for riders who are fed up with unreliable services.

The third benefit is safety.

Automated vehicles can help to reduce accidents, as they are not subject to human error. This could make mass transit a safer option for both riders and workers.

The fourth benefit is cost.

Automated vehicles can be cheaper to operate than human-operated ones, as they require less labor. This could lead to lower fares for riders, as well as increased efficiency for transit agencies.

All of these benefits make automated transit an attractive proposition for cash-strapped agencies that are looking for ways to improve their service. But while the benefits are clear, the path to automation is likely to be fraught with challenges. Transit agencies will need to overcome a number of technical, financial, political, and regulatory hurdles if they want to make the transition to an automated future. But despite the difficulties, many believe that the benefits of automation will be worth the effort.

NYC subway

15 Surprising Facts About The NYC Subway

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What’s your preferred method of public transport? Do you like to take the bus or do you prefer the NYC subway? Either way, you probably already know a few things about the NYC Subway. Here are 10 facts that may surprise you:

Fact #1:

The NYC Subway has a unique logo, which is black with white Helvetica text and a red circle enclosing the letters ‘NYCS’. It was designed in 1970 by Massimo Vignelli to replace an earlier one that was deemed too complex.

Fact # 2:

In February of 2022, the number of subway stations in the NYC system is expected to be 472. This is an increase of 3 stations from the current number of subway stations in the NYC system. The new stations will be located in Brooklyn (at 36th Street and 4th Avenue), the Bronx (near 138th Street and 3rd Avenue), and Queens (near 45th Road and Vernon Boulevard).

Fact # 3:

The NYC Subway is the busiest subway system in the world – it carries an average of 5,985,300 passengers each weekday and a total of 1.76 billion riders per year!

Fact # 4:

One of the busiest subway stations in Times Square at 42nd Street & 7th Avenue which sees 64 million visitors each year.

Fact # 5:

The NYC Subway has 14 underwater tunnels and one station (the 1/2/3 station at South Ferry) that are completely underground. The total length of these underwater tunnels is 29 miles long. They were built between 1904 and 1924, with the exception of two tunnels built-in 1941 for Lines E and G.

Fact # 6:

The MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) has a total of 2468 subway cars that can be used to create 1263 trains. Of those, 1435 are in active service and 833 of them can be found on the lettered lines.

Fact # 7:

The oldest train in operation on the NYC Subway is a 6 car Flivver train that was built for the IRT by the American Car & Foundry company in 1917. An updated version of this model, known as ‘M’, was introduced in 1918 and that model ran until 1955 when it was updated again to become what we know today as the R16, which then ran from 1959 to 2008. The last train of ‘M’ models ran in revenue service on January 8th, 2009, and was retired May 20th, 2009.

Fact # 8:

The NYC Subway is the safest mass transit system in the world: fewer than 14 crimes against people and property were reported for every million passenger journeys made on the subway each year – a standing that has been maintained since 1990.

Fact # 9:

The only station that is outside the boundaries of New York City is located in Roosevelt Island (East 90th Street).

Fact # 10:

The NYC Subway is made up of four-lettered routes: A, B, C & D. The A line runs from the upper west side to Brooklyn via Astoria; the C line runs from the upper east side to Brooklyn via Western Queens; the D line runs from midtown to Coney Island and Brighton Beach, and the B line runs from Bay Ridge to Manhattan via Kensington and lower west side.

Fact # 11:

The NYC Subway was one of the first systems in the world that allowed passengers to use a MetroCard, which is now used by 25 transportation systems in nine states, including Hawaii.

Fact # 12:

The NYC Subway has two tunnels that cross Manhattan – the Lexington Avenue Line and the 42nd Street Shuttle. They are notable because they are used for uninterrupted express service on weekdays from 5:45 am to 10 pm.

Fact # 13:

Despite its length, no single subway line serves all of the city’s boroughs. The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens are each served by three different lines or branches, while the Manhattan and Staten Island are serviced by just one line apiece.

Fact # 14:

The subway system has 830 miles of track and 22.4 miles of the electrified third rail, which powers most of the trains that run on the lettered routes in New York City. A couple of lines are also powered by the 6th rail current, which is a direct current that runs along a metallic strip embedded in the roadbed between the running rails.

Fact # 15:

The NYC Subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with trains coming every 2 to 15 minutes depending on the time of the day and what line you are using. A night owl bus service is also available when the subway system stops running each night between 1:30 am and 5 am.

NYC Ferry public transportation

Have You Tried The NYC Ferry?

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We all know that New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world. There are many ways on how you can get around even if you don’t have your own private car. Among the most popular public transportation systems in NYC are the busses and subway. However, there is another way to get around and that is through the NYC Ferry. Have you ever tried commuting through the NYC Ferry?

The NYC Ferry System

Riding the NYC Ferry is a great way to travel. About 6.3 million people used it in 2019. Currently, it has six routes, which connect neighborhoods like the Rockaways, Queens, Staten Island, Lower East Side, and Manhattan to name a few. The six routes are as follows:

  • East River Route
  • South Brooklyn Route
  • St. George Route
  • Astoria Route
  • Rockaway Route
  • Soundview Route

The main hub is Pier 11/ Wall Street. This is where all the lines meet. It is also there that the South Brooklyn and East River Routes connect to Governors Island during summer weekends.

How Long Do Rides Take?

The ferry ride will depend on what route you are taking. For short routes like the Lower East Side one, which is the shortest, it will take about 35 minutes. Longer distances like those for Rockaways to Wall Street will take about an hour.

Ferry Ride Cost And Tickets

The cost of riding a one-way fare on the NYC ferry costs $2.75. It is the same fare you’d be paying if you use the subway. If you regularly commute by ferry, there is a 30-day pass that costs $121.

You can even bring your bike onboard. However, it will cost an additional $1 to bring it per day. That totals to $141 for 30 days with your bike onboard.

Tickets are available at vending machines. There are also ticket agents that can help you. However, if you want the most convenient way to get tickets is to simply download the ferry app on your phone. From there, you can purchase tickets. Plus, you can see the ferry schedule through the app. Online purchase of tickets through the website is also available.

What Is The Seating Capacity Of The Ferry Boats?

That would vary from one ferry to another. There are boats that have a 150-passenger capacity while there are others with a larger one that could fit up to 350 passengers. While riding the ferry, you are welcome to use charging stations and free WiFi. They also have snacks, beverages, beer, wine, and coffee available.

fully automated vehicles

Fully Automated Vehicles For Private And Public Transport

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Today, more than ever, we have seen the effects of using cars and other vehicles for our daily transportation. From car accidents, environmental impacts, and just the sheer number of vehicles on the road, all have negatively impacted us all.

However, researchers have always been busy in finding solutions to such problems. That’s why they are continuously developing automated vehicles. The goal for such vehicles is to provide a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable way of transport. But could automated vehicles really be the answer to the transportation woes of the present?

Automated Vehicles Are Already Here

Automated vehicles aren’t a new concept. They have already been in development and been in use for years. There are levels to automation and what most people believe to be automated vehicles are those that don’t require human intervention. That is the main goal, to have automated vehicles that don’t need humans to drive them.

However, we can’t just jump into fully automated vehicles, can we? It can be disastrous to release such vehicles and test them in public. At least we’ll take them step by step. This has already been done in the previous years.

Most vehicles today already have automatic braking and speed regulation. Although most are still controlled by the driver, vehicles with such features are already in the first level of automation.

Full automation is further down the road at level 5. Trials are already being conducted all around the world and the results look promising. There are different scenarios as to how fully automated vehicles will be available. Researchers are looking into providing them for private use or shared use as a means of public transport. The question now is how it will affect us in different scenarios.

Fully-Automated Vehicle For Private Use

There are different possible effects of highly automated vehicles when they become available for private use when it comes to efficiency, safety, and environmental impacts. However, it is expected for people to travel far more miles than they would have before. That’s because the miles covered wouldn’t be limited due to driver’s fatigue.

Longer trips with fewer stops would be more possible and be more comfortable because drivers don’t need to drive anymore. That could help with safety and prevent accidents that are usually related to drivers falling asleep on the wheel.

Accidents per mile due to human error could also be reduced significantly. However, not all accidents are due to human error alone. There are some caused by other external factors and due to longer miles covered, there is also an increased risk of exposure to such factors. With that it can be extremely difficult to predict the probability of accidents.

Apart from that, privately owned fully automated vehicles could also lead to an increased demand for road infrastructures. Because traveling through land vehicles is made more convenient, many are likely to use it. That, in turn could result in congestion or the need to improve road infrastructures to accommodate more vehicles at a time.

Fully Automated Vehicles For Public Transport

There is also a scenario when highly automated vehicles are made available for public transportation. Since use of the fully automated vehicles are shared, then the number of vehicles that’s needed could be reduced.

This could have lots of positive impacts on cities. With fewer cars on the road, there will also be a less demand for parking spaces. Such spaces could now be turned to a better use of urban space.

The reduction of vehicles would also mean that there is also a decrease in the consumption of energy or natural resources for fuel. However, this is in a perfect world scenario when all would prefer to take public transport. There is no assurance that automated vehicles for public transport would be used by all those who previously owned private vehicles.

There is a proposal that fully automated vehicles be used in urban areas only for shared purposes or for taxis. When used for commercial purposes, it would also be possible to provide routes for automated busses to reach those that aren’t existent today due to low demand. Due to lowering the cost by removing the driver factor, the expenses can be reduced and can be offered in more areas.

The Appeal To The Masses

The effects of fully automated vehicles will still highly depend on whether people would be willing to favor automated public transport instead of having privately owned vehicles. People will have different opinions about the use of automated vehicles for public use. Even if it is used as taxis, there is still a difference in the experience of using vehicles as privately owned ones.

public transport safety

COVID Safety Tips While Riding Public Transportation

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Vaccines for the COVID-19 virus are now available. However, that doesn’t mean you should be lax about your health and safety while riding public transportation. There are some variants being discovered and until this pandemic is completely eradicated, we should still be careful.

Although mass transit has been doing its part in improving the safety of its passengers. You still have the responsibility to watch out for your safety while using public transit. Let’s take a refresher course on that. Here are the things you should do when using public transport.

Wear Your Mask Properly

We are all tired of wearing masks because we aren’t used to breathing with restrictions. However, that shouldn’t stop you from wearing your mask at all times. That is now a rule in the US. Whenever you’re out in a public area and public or even private vehicle, you need to wear your mask properly. Your nose and your mouth should be fully covered.

When traveling with children, remember that they should also wear masks except if they are 2 years or under. People who cannot wear a mask due to their disability are also exempted from this rule. However, this could make them more susceptible and it is risky.

Physical Distancing Should Be Followed

Public transport has lessened their capacity in order to follow the physical distancing rule. Seats, where you could and could not sit, are clearly marked. It is your responsibility to follow such instructions. Also, lines may also appear longer because there is a greater distance between people. Just be patient and follow the guidelines for your own safety.

Proper Hand Hygiene

It would be best to avoid touching anything whenever you can. If you need to touch something, make sure you also sanitize your hands afterward. When you leave the bus stop or the station, sanitize your hands by washing them with soap and water or alcohol. Also, do this after you arrive at your destination.

Another thing you should do is to avoid touching your hands, nose, mouth, or mask. There are now touch-less payments available.  There are also doors and trash cans that you don’t need to touch to use them.

Avoid Eating Or Drinking

It is best to avoid eating or drinking in public transit. When you do so, you remove your mask and you also make use of your hands. Instead, eat or drink outside of the vehicle when there are no people close by.

Modify Your Route

If you can, it would be better to modify your route so that you can avoid the more crowded stations. Choose a less crowded route even if you have to spend an extra few minutes. This is especially helpful during peak hours. Apart from your route, you can also choose the time when you travel. If possible, avoid using public transport at peak hours.

Avoid People Who Aren’t Following The Rules Or Guidelines

If you see someone who is not following the rules, it is best to avoid them. Keep a great distance between you and them. They are more likely to have been exposed. Some people may be deliberately doing it just to annoy others or prove their point. However, it is best just to avoid them rather than reason with them. If they are already inside the bus, you could consider getting off at the next stop and waiting for the next one.

Safety And Security

With social distancing, there is less chance for a pickpocket to become successful. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take care of your belongings. Keep them close to you at all times and be alert. You can never tell when the bad guys strike.

e-bike

Update: Legal Issues Surrounding E-Scooters In New York

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In a previous post way back in February, 2020, we’ve talked about how legislation legalizing the use of e-scooters was vetoed.

Well, what a difference a year makes!

Thanks to a push from industry groups and advocates in April 2020 e-scooters and e-bikes were legalized at the city level.  Now it’s up to the localities on how they would specifically regulate the use of such vehicles.

Update As Of January 2021

Today e-bikes and e-scooters are now allowed on selected streets and highways within the state of New York.  While full scale implementation has yet to be realized – thanks to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The updated law defines the electric scooter as a device with handlebars, a seat or a floorboard, and an electric motor. The electric scooter could be powered either by the motor or by the person riding it.

It also defines e-bikes as bicycles with electric assist. It still has pedals but with an electric motor. There is no need to register an e-bike, unlike a motorcycle, moped, or ATV.

A few guidelines for the use of e-bikes and e-scooters were also added. First of all, they can be used on selected streets and highways, but these should only have a speed limit of 30 MPH or less. Municipalities can still regulate how e-bikes and e-scooters are used within the locality. It is up to them to decide whether they would regulate the allowed time, place, or manner of operation. Furthermore, these transportation alternatives should not be used on sidewalks unless the local ordinances or local laws authorize them.

Prohibited Vehicles On The Streets, Highways, Or Sidewalks

This is great news for e-bike and e-scooter owners. However, those who operate an ATV still can’t use them on public highways. They are only allowed on designated areas on highways. These are usually only short distances and would simply connect off-road trails.

Other motorized alternative transportation devices such as a mini-bike, an off-road motorcycle, a go-kart, or a golf cart are still prohibited on highways, streets, sidewalks, or parking lots where public motor vehicles are allowed to pass.

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