Daniel Di Mascio

@danieldimascio.uk

I plan railway timetables. Passionate about public transport, infrastructure, UK and EU politics. Leeds, UK. danieldimascio.uk

“As Aydin jumps a scooter over ramps set up in the middle of the road, children around him are drawing with chalk, blowing bubbles and kicking a football in a spot where cars are usually driving through.” Good job Leeds. More children should have the chance to play in their neighbourhood like this.

Leeds: The city closing down streets so children can play

In Leeds, streets are being temporarily closed to traffic so kids have more space to safely play - an initiative proving beneficial to both children and adults.

bbc.co.uk

Cities dismantled their tram networks to become “motor cities of the future”. The result? You could travel further within 30 mins via public transport in 1957 than you can in 2026. Cities are seeking billions to rebuild networks. Incredible piece of work this.

The Exchange@theexchangeleeds.bsky.social · 2w ago

If you stood on Briggate at 8am on a weekday in 1957, and stood there again in 2026, in which year could you reach more of the city in half an hour? Samuel Bancroft has crunched the numbers. Since the 1950s, Leeds has got bigger - but the city has effectively shrunk.

Behtash office building in Isfahan, Iran Designed for the Behtash Rail Company, the brickwork is apparently inspired by meandering train tracks. Also provides shade to the spaces behind! Architecture by Omid Shafieie

BildBild

A difference between UK and European railways I've only just noticed: four tracked mainlines are the backbone of GBR infrastructure. Yet I can hardly think of any examples in western Europe. Two double tracked routes is always the preference!

My first time using the Plavec 🇸🇰 to Musyna 🇵🇱 border crossing today. This route sees two international trains per day on the weekend, and none Monday to Friday! Waiting room was nice and cool which was much needed in this heat.

A train arrives at Plavec, destination MuszynaPassenger information screen, inside the unit.Plavec station. Departure board at Plavec station. The next international train after the 16.53 is in six days!

Last Sunday at a lunch with friends and friends of friends I met an engineer working for one of the big rolling stock manufacturers and casually chatting she ended up telling me how much of a problem is to deal with customers that require too much customization of many components.

I'm not saying we should abandon electrical technology, it's very good. But I will say I think we should return to mechanical means for many things. You do not need an app for your door lock. You do not need a smart fridge. You do not need a coffee machine with a camera. Bring back the mechanical.