Technology comes from energy, not vice-versa

Resource Insights: "These dense, cheap sources of energy made it possible for many people to leave the increasingly mechanized and productive farm to seek employment in emerging industries powered by fossil fuels and pioneered by scientists and engineers who now had the luxury of time to work on inventions and refinements of previous inventions--rather than toiling in farm fields or mines. Energy first, technology second."

Bay Area commuters say they’d pay to improve public transit

SFGate: "But when it comes to public transportation, which ranks much lower on the list of regional concerns, they’re ready to open their wallets.
The poll showed particularly strong support for a $3 billion bond measure to improve BART, as well as for building a second Transbay Tube."

IVGID spending $15K to offer free shuttle service this summer

TahoeDailyTribune.com: "INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — For the first time ever, the Incline Village General Improvement District will provide locals and visitors with free weekend transportation this summer."

New bike racks debut on MST buses, around Salinas area

thecalifornian.com: "Bike to Work week is May 11-15. Too far to bicycle to work? Try a hybrid commute. No, no I do not mean driving a Prius; put your bicycle on the bus for part of the way.

Rack'em up: Monterey-Salinas Transit buses have bike racks at the front that flip down so you can lift and secure your bicycle. Most of the buses have racks that carry two bicycles, the limit by law until now. MST's new buses, four of which are in use, have racks that carry three bicycles. An MST bus driver can allow a bicycle inside the bus if the outside bike racks are full. Hybrid means part one thing and part another; a hybrid commute part way by bicycle and part way bus."

Podcast: Most Roads Don't Pay for Themselves

The Overhead Wire: "Kevin DeGood of the Center for American Progress joins the podcast this week to discuss a recent report that reminds us no transportation pays for itself, even roads. We talk about the study, how 5.5% of the roads get 55% of the travel, and what's going on in DC."

California's New Era of Heat Destroys All Previous Records

Bloomberg Business: "The chart below shows average temperatures for the 12 months through March 31, for each year going back to 1895. The orange line shows the trend rising roughly 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, just a bit faster than the warming trend observed worldwide."

About the San Francisco Transit Riders

SFTRU: "Although San Francisco is often on the cutting edge, our transit system has fallen behind that of other major cities. We are frustrated with the delays, slow travel times, and lack of funding for better service.

San Franciscans have consistently supported transit, and they deserve a reliable, robust, and 21st-century transit system. SFTRU is delivering that change. Please become a member to join our community and support our work."