tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14960089310424946342024-03-05T11:45:32.893-08:00bus of the futureWhat should buses look and ride like in 2050? As gas prices and congestion increase and environmental quality decreases, these questions
have never been more important. Help Art Center College of Design students come up with the answers by sharing your ideas. Together you'll create new designs that'll be unveiled at the <a href='http://www.altcarexpo.com/ '>AltCar Expo</a> on September 26, 2008.bluepupaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604968127093185067noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-66127753628535448952008-10-31T15:24:00.000-07:002008-10-31T16:19:42.038-07:00Big Blue Bus Hits the Road!<span style="font-family:arial;">Hello, Futurists - No sooner have we returned from debuting Bus of the Future designs at the AltCar and APTA Expos then we are hitting the road again. This time the exhibit will be showcased at the California Transit Association Expo in Monterey. So far, it's received great media coverage and accolades from transit industry leaders...check it out:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.smdp.com/site/archives/092708.pdf"><span style="font-family:arial;">Santa Monica Daily Press cover story</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.argonautnewspaper.com/articles/2008/07/03/news_-_features/santa_monica/sm6.txt"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Argonaut</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><a href="http://designandarchitectureonkcrw.vox.com/library/post/big-green-blue-bus-of-the-future.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">KCRW's Design & Architecture blog</span></a><br /><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/bottleneck/2008/06/is-this-the-bus.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">LA Times blog</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.busworld.org/news/article/288"><span style="font-family:arial;">Bus World magazine</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Quotes from transit industry leaders: </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">“Clear Volume” Bus</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">The high seating capacity, the attention given to special needs riders and the vertical seating concept create an attractive transportation experience solving many transit woes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">The design is modern and attractive, yet familiar, making it very approachable for new transit users.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">The very efficient use of sunlight and natural elements will keep the costs of operation very low. Zero-emissions will keep the air clean and breathable.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">The Clear Volume design with center lowering section and vertical seating is very rider friendly and enhances the riders feeling of space while within an enclosed environment.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;">“Cougar” Bus</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">When one passenger cell has worn beyond repair, it can be replaced with a new one, as opposed to replacing the entire bus. This will save money and resources across the board.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">The modular design of this bus is exciting and optimizes ridership comfort depending upon conditions present.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">With the varying cells that can be used to match the needs of the riders, this bus should increase ridership immensely and leave no one stranded.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Powering the bus through a battery system and regenerative braking would work extremely well in a transit setting.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;">“Icon” Bus</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">By running clean and filtering the air while it is operating, this bus will prevent more damage while also reversing the damage from other vehicles nearby. If an entire fleet is introduced, the impact will be substantial.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Hub mounted electric motors and solar cells are excellent ideas to power this bus.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Going beyond energy-efficient at the motorization level is now an imperative and it will be even more important by 2050.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Riders will love the ability to sit on the upper deck and enjoy the scenes of Santa Monica.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;">What do <em>you </em>think? Do tell...</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span>BBB: Linda Gamberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16469993331402186380noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-70232623452227777332008-09-29T12:20:00.001-07:002008-09-29T12:20:40.425-07:00Icon Bus render_above<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2899725958/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2899725958_4e59f4f6e5.jpg" style="border: 0;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2899725958/">Icon Bus render_above</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/27493509@N03/">Bus of the Future</a>.</span></div><p>Friday's presentation of the project at Alt Car was an amazing experience. It was an overwhelming opportunity to meet the judges, members of the public who have been following and contributing to the blog, and to present and discuss the ideas about the Bus of the Future. Thank you to all who attended and have contributed to the project.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-52797197591551840252008-09-29T12:19:00.001-07:002008-09-29T12:19:45.804-07:00Icon Bus Main_render<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2898882537/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2898882537_46174e31fc.jpg" style="border: 0;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2898882537/">Icon Bus Main_render</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/27493509@N03/">Bus of the Future</a>.</span></div><p>I set out to design a bus that transforms the currently pleasant and convenient ridership experience into a desirable daily occasion. Big Blue Bus’s renowned dedication to community, cleanliness, and friendly convenience serves as the primary inspiration for my designs.<br />I wanted to effectively make riding the bus akin to spending a day at the beach. I go to Santa Monica to enjoy the ocean, clear my head of stress and reinvigorate my spirits. I thought these motives would be a great starting point to shape my design. Digging a bit further, I though of the whole ‘Seeing and Being Seen” aspect of the beach experience. Whether it’s enjoying the sea with friends and loved ones, or strolling down the Third St. Promenade amongst complete strangers, being a part of the scene is fun and desirable. I wanted to create an iconic design that people wanted to be seen in, to ride in and experience.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-24935342992035097432008-09-29T12:18:00.001-07:002008-09-29T12:18:30.339-07:00Icon Bus side_rendering<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2899727038/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2899727038_0aabbccc58.jpg" style="border: 0;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2899727038/">Icon Bus side_rendering</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/27493509@N03/">Bus of the Future</a>.</span></div><p>PEV- POSITIVE EMISSIONS VEHICLE<br /> <br />Exterior TiOx gills break down atmospheric ozone into oxygen, therefore cleaning surrounding air<br /> <br />Shell made from composites derived from CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere<br /><br />Hub-mounted electric motors powered by Lithium ion batteries, Ultracapacitors quick-charged at each bus stop, and small IC generator for long-distance/ emergency jaunts<br /><br />Roof-mounted solar cells provide energy for the lighting and climate control systems<br /><br /><br />ECO-FRIENDLY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM<br /> <br />Inspired by the Kansai Airport HVAC system, Tensile air ducts circulate filtered air around the cabins, efficiently maintaining a pleasant climate<br /><br />Revolving doors reduce energy required to keep cabin at a constant temperature by minimizing amount cooled air escape at each stop <br /><br />Roof-mounted chameleon panels change from white to black, depending on whether heat energy needs to be absorbed or reflected to regulate interior temperature</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-90125646313812835452008-09-15T14:12:00.000-07:002008-09-15T18:27:04.698-07:00Cougar - Final RenderingsThe Cougar Concept design is complete and the following renderings show how the many ideas, suggestions, and comments have been brought together in a final design.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860119221/" title="Cougar Concept - Render 5 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2860119221_e3a4f8cd24.jpg" alt="Cougar Concept - Render 5" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860119177/" title="Cougar Concept - Render 4 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2860119177_514264ae0e.jpg" alt="Cougar Concept - Render 4" width="500" height="313" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860119185/" title="Cougar Concept - Render 3 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2860119185_08d4d0b4c6.jpg" alt="Cougar Concept - Render 3" width="500" height="313" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860119201/" title="Cougar Concept - Render 1 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2860119201_dd0fe43a50.jpg" alt="Cougar Concept - Render 1" width="500" height="240" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860119189/" title="Cougar Concept - Render 2 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2860119189_c359348034.jpg" alt="Cougar Concept - Render 2" width="500" height="240" /></a><br /><br />The list below shows the many attributes that ultimately shaped the design of this bus of the future.<br /><br />Ridership<br /><ul><li>Multiple possibilities for configuring different, unique environments.</li><li>More space for peak time ridership</li><li>More comfort and uniqueness for off peak ridership</li><li>Possibility of creating mobile public expression spaces</li></ul><br />Innovation<br /><ul><li>Special stand up space saver seating</li><li>Ability to separate passenger cells from motive chassis</li><li>Driver passenger interface which allows access to driver and route info</li><li>RFID prepayment system allows for faster loading of passengers (not unique to this design but part of its motivation)</li><li>In wheel electric motors</li><li>Total drive by wire</li></ul><br />Sustainability<br /><ul><li>Efficient use of energy </li><li>More effective management of available resources </li><li>Less expense incurred in turnover from old passenger cells to new</li><li>Faster maintenance time due to easier access to mechanical components</li></ul><br />Brand<br /><ul><li>Worldwide first attempt to separate bus structure into two components.</li><li>Iconic shape of bus chassis and cells will result in memorable affection on the part of ridership and consequent recognition as an ICON.</li></ul>mdshaubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569403679627273144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-32742256249971215972008-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:002008-09-15T14:09:27.865-07:00Functionality - Cougar's Passenger Cell TransferThe following stills are from an animation created to show the major innovation of the Cougar bus design. The backbone design of the bus frame allows the same chassis to hold a variety of passenger cells throughout the course of any day. The following images show how the passenger cell transfer would work.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2859746507/" title="Cougar - Animation Still 00 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/2859746507_16fb551f0a.jpg" alt="Cougar - Animation Still 00" width="500" height="256" /></a><br />Step 1: The bus must be at a complete stop before the passenger cell exchange begins.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860573176/" title="Cougar - Animation Still 01 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2860573176_75b7968bb9.jpg" alt="Cougar - Animation Still 01" width="500" height="253" /></a><br />Step 2: The wheels of the bus turn 90 degrees. The “legs” of the chassis move outward until they are no longer touching the bus.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860572730/" title="Cougar - Animation Still 02 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2860572730_069f7f74cc.jpg" alt="Cougar - Animation Still 02" width="500" height="245" /></a><br />Step 3: The “legs” of the chassis extend vertically lifting the chassis above the passenger cell. The wheels rotate back into the original position for forward motion.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27493509@N03/2860571170/" title="Cougar - Animation Still 04 by Bus of the Future, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2860571170_4768beabe4.jpg" alt="Cougar - Animation Still 04" width="500" height="246" /></a><br />Step 5: The chassis drives forward and leaves the current passenger cell behind. Now the rest of the bus can be serviced more efficiently. Later, a new passenger cell of any length can be reinserted into the chassis.mdshaubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04569403679627273144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-38523336357895803812008-08-06T14:20:00.000-07:002008-08-06T20:15:04.730-07:00Crunching the NumbersHello from the design team! We thought you might be interested in what we're currently doing. Our three future bus designs are finalized and we are now translating our sketches and diagrams into 3d computer modeling software (we use Maya and Alias). Below are a few examples of what this editing process looks like. It's a little scary looking now, but will turn out great!<div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTcZ5598kBxCWhWhNSCglEHkJlzJrdPRBxinodKN6NlzewSdFJOpAfCJqdAIPQZUEnrKZGeA2zUKf2CNz3pIfEj09b7Vuka5rpaSMlEMmbi5smfQplvJYNIV-YWB4bDtOAnkCjr1st_A/s400/screenshot1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231608766492742834" /></div><div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcJc5443po8K4AgBxU0FoteVuggmcKP8E4QO94Z_WGqlCYdMJNX14JM7Kp1Gs7d49nAx8AfwD5kfCm453FFS6IOqdJv6w_GSSbV3Fnmjgc8ZpfdWXt1NydgGOBO3Ug0MF7oPgLRwRtQ4/s400/screenshot4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231608769501911586" /><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc14aeLRDg0QqjewDn007t5w9LBllVI3r_WU3FRmP5kvYhVx8UXAm68xjHp9NWNbDw2Z0OMxXNVBF6W9UIvD5T8C1lFNUfbQDxSDcmKIg7EEua1CtT0rIkVAn-oZznSdJkdiKhBhnlJs/s400/bus_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231608768981845634" /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUYvggyrcrOLaWti9TIxX9Kjtog1FHoSAi2ITBbMbdklKlPlEvVSruFXMZceaW1Bnz3xlELgB2mkhmxUl1b6ehKRD10IJst3AgrOBObMmV2d1WzmIe8WrJ9HbGIDDEKg1BiLKfsHtrK8/s400/bus_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231608773533479938" /><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYr33Nxaj7sX4uD5X9yKYeSNEY6mhdpGaWKnbXGDNkoAid0JXYt9pLCXOFe3bW9SSc1VEfMfVdgox6epei418t9mGX-VJ2e1Dl7TvE4OYIgopTwHPxU9dASEm3saPk8uNDl579f-z6i8/s400/8408aliasA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231608774728624562" /><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-70195547114716196022008-07-18T16:41:00.000-07:002008-07-18T17:22:19.520-07:00Progress sketchesHi everyone. If you haven't had a chance to see our sketches on our flickr page, here are a few of our ideas that are in the works. To view even more images, check-out the link on the left side of this page. We've appreciated your feedback on everything else in this blog, so please tell us what you think! <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhubveDifqdCHj2svTnmmEATprjOfaOLQADtg8z5hkss4uai8UUshSj9YYSYo0sIjGuztmQXIK8SXokgoVFEPVZPFHsYx70KoaWC9TV6LGHvo71phY-GvLljg5qLI5P-2NM13IizpLwU/s320/BlogIMAGE1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224509826597910386" /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovqMlQhfHsh94sdI7EXpJwGl1OMxvfTi6icP_7SgS48D8kqgVSOzFwvg8TRn3-XWmy8uhwoVDOUR92XUfOrctpff1CpsqpyMQn66OPU2lqqnxtYmTRRcrjIMUiozohyphenhyphen6LGOQhn-XojN0/s320/BlogIMAGE2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224509825179998466" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfcSgq-OZGBxCWJ-9W8tumqdy6F7pAs28C1leA6yQSWtLXQicGkNyGzxlZRN0Cp1QSdBmHOUw7VAV0pOxmaXiV5ntCY0j2FORdC8ORbgEG7gcEfeivUnGS2eRm6EdQpKQpw02e1fI7rk/s320/climate_control.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224509832797288434" /><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzXftSSdeft_LQ_CsV_nmV9eRbmKHGakRXl-av-yT6I2qQF3a9h7GoF8iCqsiphTi0jBG_USgA1IuqNS5dgOhY0oHLim56PD6ljCG5rbu5z00qf5qOOu2RcwUOldzdFn-I84ZcNJ73I4/s320/double_decker.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224509841581269906" /><div><br /></div><div> <div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDTX2LZpjrS06UIjvzoCv9dfrJjTxBF-9lITKcHGXxhLCTdHUYQWdfnCgAv8bviUMxEcJvg5sjjUgEgBU_G7bQ4Pvbe_vcm46WCVdMpiilLNvMjW05sd7VCzl0EJLVfQjtEYeGEvAF4w/s320/12_vertical_seating_3d1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224509848195921250" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-86599533673163632942008-07-18T16:33:00.000-07:002008-07-18T16:43:09.540-07:00A means of expression...Hello all. <br />Thanks for all the great feedback so far. I was wondering if I could get your opinions on another idea I had which I was thinking of when I was discussing the problem of graffiti on busses. I was looking for ideas on how to legitimize the expression of creative people in Santa Monica, whether they be taggers, artists, interior designers or whomever else.<br /><br />I thought about doing that either dedicating areas of the bus, interior and exterior, to Graffiti expressions by creating removable panels that could be routinely taken off the bus and placed on rotating exibit in some dedicated public space. These panels would be cheap and easy to replace. <br /><br />I was also thinking that riders might want to do the same thing digitally, as in having those same panels perhaps respond to the touch of a hand by changing colors, having images created by touching the panels stay on the bus for a few hours or a day. Perhaps most of the surfaces of the bus (seats, ceiling, floors, windows, etc.) could have the capacity to display images in motion, so that anyone could plug in a USB key with some motion or still artwork that they could put into a Bus program to display it for a few days.<br /><br />How do you guys like this??<br /><br />Let me know.GAFdesignhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390764891301736319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-39702075360571166812008-07-07T12:23:00.000-07:002008-07-07T12:30:01.985-07:00Revolving Doors on a Bus?Hello to everyone!<br /><br />I just wanted to get some feedback on an idea I've been working on...<br /><br />So, no one likes when the bus is too hot or cold inside, and with doors constantly opening and windows open, it takes a lot of energy to keep a bus interior at a comfortable temperature.<br /><br />Buildings use revolving doors to keep temperatures constant- they take up a bit of space, but also reduce energy use, and provide a way to regulate the entrance and exit of people. Revolving doors are always accompanied with conventional doors, in case of emergency exit, and to facilitate entrance and egress or disabled persons and large deliveries.<br /><br />So the idea would be to have a revolving door for most passengers, with an occasionally used conventional door for disabled people and people with a lot of luggage. Not sure how people would like the experience of going through a revolving door on a bus- any one have an opinion regarding this idea?Art Center Designer Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11581921635752562352noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-32077679739457382092008-07-01T16:35:00.000-07:002008-07-01T17:36:17.081-07:00a trip on the #10Our journey on the Big Blue Bus started at Union Station in downtown LA. We hopped onto the #10 bus and relaxed, knowing we could sit-back and soon end up in at the ocean in Santa Monica. The bus had barely traveled on block before we were approached by a fellow rider who was interested if we were tourists. Evidently this route is often used by people vacationing in LA. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div>We quickly began to chat. I had no idea how many great restaurants were along the 10 route in downtown! Our new friend showed us where to get the best sushi, which places are open late and where to go for happy hour. Other riders began talking to us and pretty soon I realized I was actually enjoying the bus ride!</div><div><br /></div><div>The trip was fast and the destination is beautiful. I had enjoyed the conversation and the sights from the window so much I forgot I was there to do research. Clearly our challenge is how to make a great bus system even better.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQNcFkmtGYh_qzJto9WauHmWyHihqC4Dm51RCuYlkElKGqZv2bgPfy-Bcgme8dQ2wuCj4uS872WXYntCQNlEjUIxEXJsqeVdXBeONQEITUT3In_-qYy1S2zlRRnZgHN4_F2gy3LlIM30/s320/IMG_5535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218208626269299122" /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xTTu8HMTFElWSPJ6gmWu3OmKJdcjVsTFClqkTE_gQb4U_RnYUZDY4ynifkDlnA1lkhWmlOjOunSkOIfea81hRf1KXh0PmjtUl7JynaTDU1leH_oZWwqzxWhFKPxjTLsOOMk05T_W1nY/s320/2563979694_86b4011151_b-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218208628408505442" /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCwGPjYnTAJPp4RLlWwwhKR_4V2PbaN_hKy80b0cawN2ZC1RfAd986qCV_X-kUUF91g9Xyf3NxJUbjXXzMQX7aNs1HFnu-y_zjHJbIg0Y2egk-vUy6P3r9ZXrJNBLIsc6ztveCUBcLZ0/s320/2563176489_2b09a69b27_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218208630464925858" /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjcVv-O2cifnd6OrVaybzJv0X8cXIFzZPyslisVwvUzpKM5qSNW0HPJW3LdJSs8gqmIVfVXTIGv6-xwLd9rAsCn-tobJORnyTtai0zll26Nz_iMp1WwDlLwS9XD2DMRUri7kJ07zvjjg/s320/2563990350_efd95d5743_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218208633709757970" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-55544112175750447612008-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:002008-07-01T14:30:08.480-07:00Ridin' on the BBB<span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">orn and raised in Washington, D.C. to parents who chose not to own a car, riding the bus was second only to my bicycle.<br /><br />I have strong childhood memories of riding through hot summers and cold winters atop the lipstick red leatherette seats of the New Look Buses that the D.C Metro flaunted at the time. They were great looking, albeit shaky machines to be in, made even more charismatic by the people who rode them.<br /><br />I specifically remember the distinct sounds of the riding the bus; something I don't get when trying to sift through commercials on my radio while stuck in traffic on the 10.<br /><br />In the midst of rattly windows and the rubber band twang of the yellow stop request cable, the menagerie of riders laughed, snored, gossiped, did their hair, eavesdropped, and applied make-up and read the news paper in a manner magically in-tune with the bus's wafty dance over potholes and frequent stops. It was theater.<br /><br />D.C was always full of tourists, and my favorite, albeit sadistic, game was to count the times the bus driver told confused first time riders "I ain't no bank, I'm a bus driver- so don't ask me for change. Exact change. E-X-A-C-T C-H-A-N-G-E!"<br />One night though, after getting caught in a summer down pour, it happened to me, and as I walked home, cold and wet, the joke had lost its humor.<br /><br />Ever since I moved to LA three years ago, I have given up my buses and bicycle, and spend a great amount of my time sitting in traffic in my car. I love my car, especially when it runs, but with gas prices rising and my new relocation closer to Down Town LA, I was more than happy to hop on this assignment to help design the Big Blue Bus of the future.<br /><br />Last week we all took the Big Blue Bus route from downtown LA to Santa Monica to LAX. I made sure I bought exact change for the occasion, and was preparing my stomach for a ride I though would be uncomfortably warm and bumpy.<br /><br />To my pleasant surprise, I had a smooth and happy series of trips. Part of our job was to interview BBB riders, and people were more than happy to share their thoughts and opinions with us, repeatedly stating that BBB riders were the happiest of the land.<br /><br />The A/C worked, the buses were spotless, and the bus drivers greeted people rather than scorned them.<br /><br />We talked to tourists with big bags, junior high school students, loyal riders who have rode with BBB for decades, tried not to disturb those people who chose to nap their way through traffic rather than sit in it.<br /><br />All in all, and inspiring and pleasant time. We came out of the experience with a slew of ideas, and can't wait to see what you all think about them.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;"></span></span> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: navy;"><br /></span></span></p></div>Art Center Designer Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11581921635752562352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-9763884496324987312008-06-30T10:12:00.000-07:002008-06-30T10:38:41.761-07:00On Board EntertainmentFirst off let me say that I have seen some of the first sketches <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">years</span>. 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.<br /><br />Getting off my high horse though, I wanted to ask a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">question</span> about bus <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">amenities</span>. What about entertainment? How do people feel about TV screens like Metro has in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">their</span> buses. What if each screen was individualized and you could plug in with earphones and watch TV like on many airplanes? And what about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Internet</span> 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?BBB: Dan Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07388148616861898540noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-41604671095319880202008-06-26T17:55:00.000-07:002008-06-26T18:02:56.985-07:00hello 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.<div><br /></div><div>-Mike, Gabriel, Giuseppe </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496008931042494634.post-46098115895113552022008-06-25T18:37:00.000-07:002008-06-26T17:28:14.683-07:00Welcome!<p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-size:100%;" >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 <em>in</em>? 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!</span></p><p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">Who's with me on individually-activated climate controls and fuel sources to improve air quality? I'll save you a seat!</span></span></p>BBB: Linda Gamberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16469993331402186380noreply@blogger.com19