Basel has a good tram network comprised of 13 lines across 79 route kilometres. Trams generally run every 7 minutes and somewhat uniquely, the system extends into three countries, reflecting Basel's position spanning Switzerland, France, and Germany. Here's what that network looks like today. Note: I've only shown the city core for sizing purposes. All lines flow into the densely-packed city centre, where multiple lines share the track as they pass through. This ensures that

Cities in the English-speaking new world aren't often compared favourably against European cities, at least from a design and transportation perspective. Car dependence, sprawl, and inefficient land-use are all big issues in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The contrast between these countries and Europe is what got me interested in urbanism and transportation in the first place. I think there is at least one aspect of Anglo-urbanism that doesn't get enough apprec

The Swiss Federal Office of Topography (SwissTopo) has been publishing detailed topographical maps of Switzerland since 1845, updating these almost yearly ever since. Not only are these maps true works of craftsmanship, they also allow us to look back at the evolving landscape of the country over a century-and-a-half of social and environmental change. I was recently browsing through the 2025 update and was struck by some saddening, and some uplifting, natural changes. Swiss