I've complained only very recently about the horrible traffic problems in London. Back here in Japan it has been an absolute pleasure to get into the car and not be confronted with parked cars on both sides of the street. The Daily Telegraph seems to think we can have our cake and eat it. More cars, it thinks, is the answer, not less. God help them (the Brits).
Posted by Joe at January 8, 2004 08:19 PMI find that complaints about anything are relative, including traffic.
When I lived in florida, people complained that it was "too cold" when the temperature dipped below 50 degrees. I now think that's pretty silly.
After moving here from Chicago, I was surprised to find people complaining about the traffic in Columbus, Ohio -- they honestly think it's bad here. They have no idea how bad traffic is until they try to commute to work in Chicago. But it's all relative -- to what you are used to.
Posted by: Vaneta at January 9, 2004 10:04 AMWell pretty much everthing in our lives is relative. My injured ankle is still better than having no ankle (or leg) at all, but it doesn't make my ankle (or me) feel any better. In the case of traffic, I don't think it is a question so much of what one is used to, but what you are willing to put up with. In the case of London, traffic moves at the same average speed now as it did 100 years ago when there was the good ol' horse and carriage. That is, by anybody's standards, crazy. Improved public transport is the only answer. Give people a reason not to get into cars.
Posted by: Joe at January 9, 2004 11:18 AM"The real point is that most people drive their cars not because they are bad people who delight in pollution, but because they need to do so."
Well, I would say, because they find it convenient to do so. I lived in Tokyo (where, granted, public transportation is nearly ideal) for 12 years without a car. We handled it all - from school projects through scout camp-outs - via public transport, school bus, shared rides and the occasional taxi. Once we bought a car, however, we found it nearly impossible to even contemplate getting back on the subway.
All that said, every time I've ridden the Underground I've found myself wishing to be back in Tokyo. Or better still, Washington, D.C.
Posted by: DJ at January 9, 2004 05:27 PMThe London Underground is horrible, but as long as it is running (and that isn't a given by any means) I prefer it to a car journey in the city.
Posted by: Joe at January 9, 2004 10:50 PM