6.30.2008

On Board Entertainment

First off let me say that I have seen some of the first sketches that the students from Design Center have made and they are incredible! This is really an exciting project and one that is sorely needed right now with gas prices skyrocketing and no end in site. As a matter of fact, I just read an article saying that the world's demand for gas will more than double in the next 20 years. I can't even imagine what that would mean to all of us on a daily level, but I do know that public transit will become increasingly important and that we as a society will need to change the way we live.

Getting off my high horse though, I wanted to ask a question about bus amenities. What about entertainment? How do people feel about TV screens like Metro has in their buses. What if each screen was individualized and you could plug in with earphones and watch TV like on many airplanes? And what about Internet connections on buses, i-Pod plug ins, etc? What do you think the bus of the future would offer customers, and what would you like to see on board to keep you entertained and informed?

6.26.2008

hello from the designers!

Hello from Art Center!  We're busy over here in Pasadena, cooking-up ideas for the Bus of the Future project.  At this point, no idea is too silly.  Our sketchbooks are quickly filling-up with some wild designs and this is just the beginning!  Check back often to watch the progress and give input.

-Mike, Gabriel, Giuseppe 

6.25.2008

Welcome!

Big Blue Bus operations have changed a lot over the years: we upgraded to new alternative fuels, built eco-friendly facilities, and added new technologies to maintain buses. But what about what we ride in? You're invited to help us celebrate 80 years of innovative service in our signature style: by looking forward. Share your ideas on this blog about what we can do to make buses more futuristic, comfortable and fun to ride. For example, what amenities would you like to see inside the bus of the future? What would the perfect seat be made from? Where would the doors be located? Would there be an espresso machine on-board? Feel free to get creative!

Who's with me on individually-activated climate controls and fuel sources to improve air quality? I'll save you a seat!