Examples from uncommon places: more good branding and human connections

It is obvious: there are too many missed opportunities around the world for creating a connection between people and the way they get around. No one drives an unpainted car or keeps it completely sterile of character. How we travel is intimately a part of us, and inescapably so.

It is time for "good example, bad example."

On human connections, the good: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

"It's really good to have you with us every day. Thank you..." sign in Rio de Janeiro. Photo from Google Street View

On human connections, the bad: Rome, Italy

Sorry, Rome. Your graffiti trains don't count as a human connection.

On branding and logos, the good: South Africa

PRASA's (Passenger Rail Agency South Africa) "Shosholoza Meyl" long distance train. The name holds special meaning in South Africa.

Shosholoza Meyl, aside from a meaningful name and visually unique paint job, also has one of the best transport logos in the world.

On branding and logos, the bad: anywhere with metallic trains

Looking at you, CityRail (Sydney, NSW, Australia). It's not possible to tell what this is from the outside, besides a train of some kind.

Nice try, MTA (New York City, New York, United States). The American flag does not count as unique transport branding no matter how many times you paste it on a carriage.

At least put a little effort in. Give it character. Make it an experience and a pleasant life choice. If it's a joy to ride and people can be proud of it, the system as a whole will prosper.

The United States has the best bus system in the world.

You have, again, read the heading correctly. Like in my last post, the United States has one of the best bus systems in the world.

Fast: Many buses operate express or limited
Frequent: Buses can operate around every minute or two during peak times
Easy to use: All stops are clearly marked, have passenger queues, and distinct, helpful signage
Crimeless: You can bet there is a zero tolerance for shenanigans.
Span: The system operates virtually around the clock, and at high frequency for as many as 20 hours a day.
Free*

*Here is where my game is up. It is only free to Walt Disney World customers and employees, not that it is really useful for anyone else.

Disney Transport, owned by the Walt Disney Company, operates around Orlando, Florida. The bus system operates alongside a network of monorails, people-movers, and boats. It was said to me, although I could not independently verify (and don't try it), that Disney Transport will dispatch a bus to your location if you ever find yourself stranded. This is a critical "lifeline" service that only a handful of bus systems in the United States use, if it does indeed exist. However, with such an impressive service span, it is unlikely to be utilized. Offering such a service is an important thing for any system that wants to overcome a barrier of transit: "Can I get home no matter what?"

Disney Transport is the greatest bus system in the United States

A typical crowd pleaser for the far right, it is also worth noting that the system operates entirely without subsidy, with the exception of a few roads that the buses operate on. One could also say that because of Buy America, taxes, and things like the GM government bailout, there are a few other strings attached to that statement, but more on vehicle subsidies another time.

A recent (2016) unofficial map of the Disney Transport system. Credit: Arthur de Wolf.

At least one part of the United States understands how important a robust, total transportation system is. If it brings such a great amount of value to a private company (and to a level where they foot the bill themselves), imagine what it could do to an entire city? State? Country?