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Transforming the Public Transportation Experience to Encourage Usage.

by rahul saggar | 11:27 am January 28th, 2011 | 17 Comments »
Categories: Activism, Engineering, Hydroelectric, Public Transportation, Science, Transportation
Tags: , , , , , , ,

I want to improve the experience on public transportation vehicles, while appealing to people who don’t usually use public transportation.
The project I am proposing requires no additional investment- the infrastructure is already there. It is just a matter of using what is already in place while developing an experience. In addition, I have been considering methods to extract energy from the lateral movement of the vehicle. The lateral movement is lost energy that could be harvested for powering lights or power needs.
I am a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer with over 15 years of experience in transportation.

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17 Responses to “Transforming the Public Transportation Experience to Encourage Usage.”


  1. On January 29th, 2011 at 12:18 am Neil Cohen Said:

    I am a Transportation Expert and I believe this would encourage ridership in my municipality.


  2. On January 31st, 2011 at 2:17 pm Max Burns Said:

    From what I’ve seen, complaints about subway/metro public transportation are more about old cars, unsanitary conditions and a general social stigma against public transportation usage. It’s a fascinating idea, but as the video shows, the cars are still near-empty…


  3. On January 31st, 2011 at 3:08 pm Kate Said:

    I agree that complaints about the subway revolve around unsanitary conditions and safety but I’m from New York City and the subway is a necessity. I’ve never sat in an empty car in my life, unless it was 3 am on a weekday. In fact, the cars are so packed that you cannot move and sometimes have to wait for the next train because you don’t even fit. I think this might encourage people who are new to the city to want to check out the subway more often and not be scared of what they may have heard. I think In other towns this would encourage more commuters as well.


  4. On January 31st, 2011 at 3:39 pm rahul saggar Said:

    Hi! Thanks for the comments!

    NEIL, which municipality are you associated with?

    MAX, totally agree with the emptiness comment, although the shots used were during a short weekend installation with no promotion, more about determining feasibility and interest.

    Also, I agree with your cited typical complaints about public transportation, however that description can also be applied to some bad neighborhoods, where artists move into, and the neighborhoods are transformed.
    I think with a longer installation or a continued venue for other installations, it could really develop into something. If you want to see more reactions (not trying to shamelessly promote) please check out this link:
    http://www.rahulsaggar.com/IndexExhibit/index.php?/inertia/videoimages/

    KATE, thanks for your support, and for using public transportation! Public transportation needs more advocates like you, so please be extra careful at 3 AM!


  5. On January 31st, 2011 at 3:40 pm Carrie Winans Said:

    Hey Kate! I’m from the NYC area myself and I agree with your comment. A lot of people in NYC are really good about riding the subway to cut down costs of cabs and finding difficult parking spaces. I think this idea applies more to cities where driving is largely an option. I go to school in Washington DC and most business people tend to drive or cab to meetings instead of riding the public buses or metro. It’s also so shocking how many of my friends fly home or drive home from school. I personally take the train from NYC to DC. It’s definitely an underutilized form of transportation! Hopefully this idea can be put into motion. The beautification of Amtrak could save this world a lot of carbon emissions!


  6. On January 31st, 2011 at 4:39 pm Mindy Said:

    This is a very cool use of some pretty basic materials on a surface that gets no use at all. Whoever thought of doing this is amazingly creative.


  7. On February 1st, 2011 at 11:04 pm Kate Said:

    Hi! Carrie, I see what you mean…It is true that DC and other cities do not utilize their public transportation as much. I wonder if they run as often as NYC trains? Also, due to budget cuts – trains and buses have been running less frequently everywhere, which is sad. I also take Amtrak to DC & Philly. But thank goodness for subway art – it keeps people’s spirit’s high and shows that the world does not need to feel so serious when coming home from a long day’s work!

    Rahul – 3am was only back in college. I don’t think I would ever pick that time again. ha : ) Keep on with your smart creativity!


  8. On February 3rd, 2011 at 1:16 pm Helen Said:

    Everyone rides subways in New York city. It does not matter whether you earn $10 hr. or Wall street broker who earns… How much do they earn these days? Installation of art in this unique environment is in true spirit of what this great city is all about.

    I love the creativity – This is awesome!


  9. On February 3rd, 2011 at 1:19 pm Badelicious Said:

    How coool! I can see NY subway passengers smiling already.


  10. On February 3rd, 2011 at 1:24 pm HY Said:

    This is good for everyone all around.

    Beautify otherwise unsanitary and cold subway, encourage ridership and support art.

    Such wonderfully creative, cool and smart idea!


  11. On February 3rd, 2011 at 1:26 pm DMel Said:

    Wow! This is really creative and smart!


  12. On February 3rd, 2011 at 2:14 pm CHOL Said:

    I saw this project when I was in Cleveland. It was really cool and created positive energy for both riders and also the city.

    I would really love to see this in New York City.


  13. On February 3rd, 2011 at 3:29 pm Sue Said:

    I agree with Chol! It would be awesome to see something like this in NYC. It looks really calming, and NYers need some calm during their daily commute.


  14. On February 4th, 2011 at 3:10 pm Darin Said:

    This is just the right type of boost in moral New York needs right now.


  15. On February 4th, 2011 at 3:13 pm rahul saggar Said:

    Thanks again for all the comments!

    CARRIE: I recently contacted AMTRAK, I’m hoping they will consider.

    MINDY, DMEL, HY: Thank you for the support! Very sweet!

    KATE: That stinks about the budget cuts. This installation was done at no cost to the GCRTA.

    HELEN: I think I know you, thanks so much for the support.

    CHOL: That is so great! I’m glad you got to see it. You probably saw me since part of the insurance stipulation was I had to be on the trains at all times. I lived on the trains for a few days, but it was worth it!

    SUE, CHOL, BADELICIOUS: I would love to do it in NYC, I have actually contacted several municipalities including the MTA but the only one which was willing to take a chance was GCRTA, which I am so thankful for. They are a great group of people!

    The only thing I can suggest is contact the transit authority directly through suggestion, and I will try again.


  16. On February 16th, 2011 at 9:30 pm Raj Kumar Said:

    It is a nice experience. Lot of people get fascinated by the Art work involved. Cleveland has a lot of Art projects throught the year.


  17. On February 16th, 2011 at 9:34 pm Raj Kumar Said:

    Great Art Experince

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