I unironically think we should have more canals and barges in cities, at least those with the topography and hydrology for it. Dense urbanism centered around the canals, the barges could transport cargo instead of trucks, and the water would combat the urban heat island effect. Bonus points if there are overhead wires (like for trams and trolleybuses) for powering the canal barges.
Are there any real world examples of trolley canal barges, thought electric wires and water do not mix well?
But yeah there are some ship based public transport networks, which I think should be explored more seriously. In India there are some water Metro networks like Kochi…
![[meme] Name one good reason we should stick with outdated cars when we have yachts now??](https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/9307e011-fe3d-463a-98e9-98fdc0b93f22.webp){kind=link}
I unironically think we should have more canals and barges in cities, at least those with the topography and hydrology for it. Dense urbanism centered around the canals, the barges could transport cargo instead of trucks, and the water would combat the urban heat island effect. Bonus points if there are overhead wires (like for trams and trolleybuses) for powering the canal barges.
The Venetian solution!
The critical problem is controlling water levels. These naturally fluctuate daily/seasonally/yearly. I would guess this will only get worse.
On a pedestrian level, canals have the same issues as roads in forcing chokepoints, it might even be worse.
Colder climates need to worry about de-icing or freezing protocols.
On an emotional level, I miss my kayak and skating commutes from when I could take a canal.
Are there any real world examples of trolley canal barges, thought electric wires and water do not mix well? But yeah there are some ship based public transport networks, which I think should be explored more seriously. In India there are some water Metro networks like Kochi…
There is historical precedent!
https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/12/trolley-canal-boats.html