I wonder if they discussed how the new MAX cars are a near-total failure when it comes to comfort and usability. But boy they sure do look nice and futuristically design-winning!

Please elaborate, BiX. I found the new MAX cars to be almost exactly the same comfort and usability of the existing type II (low floor) trains, but with more outside light for a more pleasant ride; and far better than the old type I trains with the stairs that make them hopeless for bikes... But then, maybe I just wasn't in a grouchy enough mood at the time...

@ Matt: This guy (and his small entourage) can't possible care about sustainability issues: I'm guessing they all flew here. In an airplane. And all the way from England!

We did discuss that, actually. He mentioned that "you can't stop people flying," but that "advances in technology" should be able to improve aviation's impact on the environment.

In fact, he joked about the irony of coming here to look at sustainability issues, when, as he said, "I flew here."

So how should he have gotten here? By boat? Or maybe Scotty could have beamed him here. Of course he flew. Sheesh

ujfoyt: Commenty was continuing a "discussion" from this morning about Portland marketing itself as a "sustainable" destination for conventions.

http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/Blogto…

Ugh, thank god. That he ended up here means he might actually give a fuck about London's transport problems. Although they have a ridiculous amount of options for transport, including the much maligned but still amazing Underground. Too bad none of the Manchester pansies turned up. Damned Labour.