John Cox

Blogs · @wyome · Now · Shelf

Tagged transportation · everything

Interesting

The Points Guy

You can travel around Spain for free by train this summer

Spain extended its free train travel program through December 2023, allowing summer visitors to ride commuter and medium-distance Renfe trains for free by purchasing multi-journey tickets (minimum 10 return trips) with a small deposit of €10–€20 that must be earned back through 16 completed journeys. High-speed routes like Madrid-Barcelona are excluded from the scheme, which has proven popular among locals and may be made permanent due to its environmental benefits and €764 million cost funded by a windfall tax on banks and energy companies.

Permalink travelbudgettransportation

www.travelawaits.com

10 Things Solo Travelers Should Know Before Going To South America

A first-time solo traveler recounts her 2019 journey across seven South American countries, challenging her preconceived fears about the region with practical advice for future visitors. She covers essential logistics like bus travel safety, altitude sickness management, and language preparation, while also addressing cultural expectations around social interactions and local customs that differ from North American norms. The piece emphasizes that despite South America's negative reputation in Western media, the continent offers welcoming communities and unforgettable experiences for those who approach it with respect and an open mind.

Permalink safetyculturetraveladvice

Marginal REVOLUTION

Electric Roads — Marginal Revolution

Researchers are developing buried charging pads in roads that would wirelessly transfer electricity to vehicles as they drive, potentially reducing EV battery sizes by 80 percent and eliminating the need for frequent charging stops. This approach shifts the energy storage burden from the vehicle to the grid infrastructure, allowing EVs to operate with much smaller, cheaper batteries while maintaining long-distance driving capability. The technology, pioneered in New Zealand, could fundamentally change EV design and economics by making vehicles lighter and more affordable.

Permalink technologysustainabilityinfrastructuretransportation