This post was filed by guest blogger TlaB:

One advantage of traveling is the fresh perspective it gives you on your own life and town.

The American Public Transportation Association held its annual conference for marketers and communications staff in San Francisco this week – giving a first-person look at how bus and light rail in SFO compare to Phoenix’s growing systems.

Much like Phoenix, San Francisco has two dominant systems – MUNI (local bus) and BART (light rail) – and has had these in place for some time.

First the similarities:

BART has a prolific campaign in place to promote safety near light rail tracks. BART has been around since 1972 and they’re still reminding people about safety!

There are few restrooms at BART transit stations or near light rail stops, and unless you really truly have a fondness for public restrooms (no matter how “forward” a Euro-designed, sidewalk Port-o-Pottie may be) I think the advice still stands: go at home, the office, school, or the restaurant first.

Even in densely urban and transit-dependent San Francisco, plenty of people were witnessed having trouble with their fare pass. BART and MUNI had signage in several places about the kinds of common devices that demagnetize fare cards. Apparently iPods are one of them!

Now the differences:

MUNI’s fleet and BART rail cars are well-worn or “well-loved,” let’s say. Phoenix’s vehicles by comparison are far and away gleemingly new and clean.

A BART ride is loud and noisy – nothing like the gentle ride in Phoenix’s new, clean cars.

MUNI and BART have distinctly different logos and looks. Comparatively, the look of Valley Metro and METRO is much more symbiotic.

As great as San Francisco is, it’s even better to be back in Phoenix!