Welcome to Overdrive, where we cover everything to do with motoring and transport from the sublime to the ridiculous.

I’m David Brown

More of our thoughts, ideas and ramblings are covered on our website, podcast or social media – just search for Cars transport culture

Paul Murrell is away traveling, so this program we have three quite different interviews.

First up, we’ll be talking with Winston Reinboth, who’s working on a system that gives you satellite navigation but also fascinating information about local sites as you travel.

Next, we’ll hit the road to test the ever-popular Mazda MX-5 convertible – an iconic vehicle for driving enthusiasts.

And finally, we’ll take a closer look at Brisbane City Council’s latest public transport innovation – a system that’s a cross between a bus and a tram. It’s an important step forward, but they might’ve missed the mark with the name.

Subjects

Three interviews

• We all know that modern navigation systems help us get from point A to point B, but what if we could make that journey more informative and meaningful?
  Winston is developing a system that combines locational technology with local insights.
• Road test the Mazda MX-5 convertible
  Evoking the joy of motoring with the top down
  But lack practicality
• Brisbane City Council has embarked on a new trial aimed at evolving its road-based public transport network. Silly name but good if you can make it work

News summaries

Enhancing Travel Experiences with Local Insights

Winston Reinboth is developing a system that enhances travel experiences by combining location technology with local insights. Unlike traditional navigation apps, his system offers detailed information on scenic drives, attractions, and historical sites, helping users personalise their trips. Available as a website and an app, it provides a visual and narrative guide to regions across Australia. Supported by CSIRO and Western Sydney University, the project aims to make travel more meaningful without immediate plans for monetisation. Reinboth has received positive feedback from community groups and is continually seeking user suggestions. The platform aims to expand across Australia and potentially beyond, making journeys more insightful and enjoyable.

With a whiff of nostalgia: A Review of the Mazda MX-5 Rag-Top Convertible

Evan Jones reviews the Mazda MX-5 rag-top convertible with a manual gearbox, embracing a nostalgic sports car feel. He notes that the car is snug but comfortable once adjusted, with excellent brakes and a sublime gearbox reminiscent of a Lotus Elan. The design of the convertible is balanced compared to the hardtop, which looks stumpy. While the MX-5 is smaller and easier to park, making it ideal for local errands, its boot space is limited but efficient for soft-top storage. The car feels compact, but once inside, there’s ample space for passengers. Overall, the MX-5 is a fun, easy-to-drive sports car with a great balance of style and performance.

“Brisbane Metro: Transforming Public Transport with High-Capacity ‘LighTrams’

Brisbane City Council is trialling an innovative public transport project called Brisbane Metro, involving high-capacity buses that blend features of both trams and buses. These “lightrams” are articulated, 25-metre-long vehicles running on rubber tyres without tracks, providing efficient transport through dedicated busways. This system aims to enhance the existing successful bus rapid transit (BRT) network by improving passenger capacity and operational efficiency. Unlike traditional rail systems, these vehicles operate on a road system but with an upgraded, tram-like experience. The trial aims to tackle capacity issues at key urban stations and provide a modern alternative to cater to Brisbane’s growing public transport needs.

Contacts Details

Web Site: Driven Media: drivenmedia.com.au

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Credits

And this has been overdrive

Thanks to

• Winston Reinboth
• Evan Jones
• Brian Smith
• Mazda Australia
• Mark Wesley
• Bruce Potter

for their help with this program.

You can get more of our work including longer versions of the program on our website, through our podcasts, or more visual information on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. In all cases search for cars transport culture.

Overdrive is syndicated across Australia on the Community Radio Network

This program was first broadcast on 7 September 2024

I’m David Brown

Thanks for listening