Belfast Translink unveils ‘Trainbow’ symbols of hope
Translink has given two trains makeovers in support of the children’s #ChaseTheRainbow campaign sweeping the UK. The campaign encouages kids to create and display colorful rainbows of hope andlove in response to the cornavirus pandemic. By transforming a pair of NI Railways trains into massive ‘Trainbows’, Northern Ireland’s public transport operator hopes to bring moving symbols of encouragement and solidarity to everyone who sees them traveling across the network. [lovebelfast.co.uk]
Savings bank subway branch predated digital banking
Before online banking and smartphone apps, there was “commuter banking” in the subway in Downtown Brooklyn. Where the Court Street subway station intersects with the Borough Hall station, three non-functioning teller windows, resembling those at a drive-through above ground, are all that remain from Brooklyn Savings Bank, a local financial institution from 1827 until 1990. An inscription reading “Commuter Banking” can be found above the teller windows. [atlasobscura.com]
Bob Mortimer’s ‘Train Guy’ is the funniest thing on the internet right now
He’s the guy sitting in the Quiet Zone on a rammed rush hour train (back when going outside was still A Thing We Did). He’s roaring into his phone at a work colleague with little regard for weary fellow passengers in the vicinity, having the kind of conversation that makes you cringe so hard you physically recoil. Bob Mortimer gets it. The English comedian has immortalised this unfortunate part of our commutes with a recurring skit aptly called Train Guy. [mashable.com]
Unattended convenience store at new Tokyo station thwarts thieves with AI
An unmanned convenience store has opened at the first new station on Tokyo’s Yamanote loop line in nearly 50 years. The store, which is a key feature at the station, makes use of artificial intelligence not just to speed up checkouts but also to prevent shoplifting. The AI-enhanced system uses cameras to identify every item and recognize customer behavior. The store’s exit gates open after the customer pays. [japantimes.co.jp]
Detroit’s 13 People Mover stations are loaded with impressive art
While it may not be the most effective form of transportation ever built, a ride around the 13-stop Detroit People Mover is actually a great art tour. Construction of the 2.9-mile loop around downtown began in 1983, but the push to make the stations more beautiful came in 1984, thanks to art-in-public-place-advocate Irene Walt. A commission was formed and when the rail system was completed in July of 1987, there was art everywhere. [detroit.curbed.com]
