1

The most economically, environmentally sustainable form of private personal transportation.  Especially for those with two people riding.  That being said, they're hogs, not even the most efficient form of the mode, but still is well above and more efficient than trains, planes, cars, buses, and about anything else out there.

2

My departing transit ride.  Probably the second most efficient mode, except in the US where the diesals we use make the mode far less efficient than it should be.  The TGV, at 180+ mph is almost 2x more efficient than our fancy Talgos and Acelas, which almost puts the Talgo in the efficiency range of the motorcycle.

3

That is what you call a reliable, solid, and long lasting road surface.  Talk about a serious return on investment!  Imagine the fact that these streets where built with ...  are you ready to gasp ...  PRIVATE DOLLARS.  Yup, no nanny state begging for these roads.  I'm sure when they do deteriorate though it will be off to the feeding trough then since we as a nation have become so incapable of being self sufficient and sustainable.

4

The north bound departs, in focus with the stylistic fence in the foreground.  Between this train and my train, the afternoon frequency transported approximately 260 people combined.  Which unfortunately makes this frequency for today less efficient than each passenger driving form Portland to Seattle in a Ford Excursion.  Makes me sad to think.  But the early morning and other frequencies I hear are almost carrying the full 280 persons per train, so they'll be back in the efficient range again for those frequencies at least!

5

Even small towns CAN have transit regardless of the income levels, without an abrasive and intrusive income tax (hint hint Oregon).

6

Transit recycling!  In Centralia there is a Mexican Food joint (as you can see) that is built into this transit bus.

7

These two images provide the reason why we have Talgos.  Even by the FRA's archaic and perverted rules and regulations the Talgos can safely clock through the area at a MUCH higher speed than regular passenger trains.  As you can see in the second image though, the FRA's silly 79mph limit however slams the Talgo poking along at 79 with the regular passenger trains.  Without any loss of safety the Talgos, on the roadbed that exists, should be able to make a decent part of the trip between Portland and Seattle at a minimum of 90 mph.  This 79mph crap really just has to go.

8 & 9

Yeah, even little dogs have to wait for the freight trains.

10

I'm always contemplating things, what is efficient, what is not.  It is after all, part of my job as well as an interest.  So when I see things like this a dozen thoughts on various topics run through my head.  This be the reason for my little image caption rambling here.  Hope you readers enjoyed, I found it interesting and I'm the one who was thinking the stuff.

If anyone out there feels inclined, add some comments with your own thoughts and ideas about the pictures.  I've numbered then so just stick the number and write a comment.