...to cause a crisis. While the north-east United States suffered through a blackout, Phoenix had a different problem last week.

A fuel pipeline ruptured causing some major shortages for drivers. If you thought that would cause chaos here, imagine what happens in one of the most poorly serviced cities in the world for public transport. They might *shock horror* have to take the bus. Others (and I sympathise, because buses suck) resort to following fuel trucks to make sure their precious automobiles have petrol.

On a related note, Common Monkeyflower comments on a Planetizen op-ed claiming that suburban areas are better just in case there is a wide-scale blackout which stops electrified transport. What is important (and was mentioned in the comments to the op-ed) is diversity of transport options to prevent what engineers call 'single-point failure'. Arizona's new Light Rail system can't come fast enough.

Planning 22nd August, 2003 22:55:36   [#] 

Comments

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As time goes, the more I realise how little I know
Jess  10th September, 2003 19:15:32