PDX Transit

Top 10 fuel efficient cars for 2008

Thursday, 09. 4. 2008  –  Category: Driving, Uncategorized

If you want a hybrid car, be prepared to wait at least 1-2 months.  However, there are non-hybrids that are in some cases more fuel efficient and cheaper in the long run.  Below is a list of the top cars for 2008.  
10. Honda Fit (manual) 28/349. Toyota Corolla (manual) 28/378. Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD [...]

DIY Electric cars

Saturday, 08. 16. 2008  –  Category: Uncategorized

Increasingly more folks are trying their hands at making electric cars.  Frustrated from waiting for Detriot to produce an affordable electric car so they've decided to do it themselves.  Tackling a conversion isn't cheap nor for the faint of heart.  For the DIY backyard mechanic conversion, it took 3 months and cost about $12,000.  Read more about [...]

Portland transit Google mashup

Friday, 08. 15. 2008  –  Category: Portland Mall Light Rail, Technology, Uncategorized

I found a nice Portland transit mashup yesterday at http://mapmash.googlepages.com/portlandmax.html.  It has some nice features including links to a pdf that you can print with every Max and bus stop.
I built a similar mashup a few years ago, but never completed the project.   You can see my outdated portland transit map here.  Google has since [...]

New Battery Powered Tram Charges in 60 Seconds

Thursday, 07. 31. 2008  –  Category: Train, Uncategorized

More innovation from Japan…  A new street car, powered by lithium battery, has been invented by the Railway Technical Research Institute in Kokubunji, Tokyo. The new transport is capable of speeds of 40 kph for 15 kilometers and can convert 70 percent of its deceleration energy into electricity which is then sent back to the [...]

A Solar Powered Prius coming 2009?

Monday, 07. 7. 2008  –  Category: Uncategorized

Rumour has it that the 2009 Toyota Prius will use solar panels to partialy power its instruments. Read more at http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/07/07/toyota-to-sell-solar-panel-equipped-prius-next-year/

Volkswagen “Twin Drive” hybrid slated for 2010

Friday, 06. 27. 2008  –  Category: Uncategorized

According to engadge, Volkswagen is planning to release a plug-in "Twin Drive" hybrid in 2010
 http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
Why does it take the American automakers so long to do this?

London’s Personal Rapid Transport system

Monday, 06. 23. 2008  –  Category: Uncategorized

London's Heathrow Airport is set to install the world's first Personal Rapid Transport system. The PRT is a fleet of 18 driverless pods for business passengers flying out of Terminal Five, with installation scheduled to be complete in less than two years. Traveling at up to 25mph, the pods will ferry passengers rapidly between their [...]

The Slow Demise of the SUV

Monday, 05. 12. 2008  –  Category: Uncategorized

With gas prices continuing to skyrocket daily, more small cars are making their way to America.   Of course, there are other reasons why these cars are more popular.  "With rising gas prices and greater environmental awareness, demand for small cars is increasing." 

Read the entire It's a small-car world article

Measure your MPG with MyMileMaker

Tuesday, 05. 6. 2008  –  Category: Uncategorized

Figure out your gas burn with MyMileMarker
http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9766797-2.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Webware

Google Maps add Weather Channel Data

Tuesday, 01. 15. 2008  –  Category: Uncategorized

Now you can view current weather conditions while planning your next trip with Google maps.  Google has partnered with The Weather Channel to create a new interactive layers that overlay weather and radar information on top of Google Maps.

"To use the feature click on the Google Maps' My Maps tab and select The Weather Channel feature to begin exploring." 
More details [...]