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
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| "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
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| Sorry, Rome. Your graffiti trains don't count as a human connection. |
On branding and logos, the good: South Africa
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| PRASA's (Passenger Rail Agency South Africa) "Shosholoza Meyl" long distance train. The name holds special meaning in South Africa. |
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| 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
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| 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. |
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| 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.
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