Take the A Train [Infographics]

I've been a fan of Good Magazine's info graphics. The one shown above is a clean and insightful info graphic on the top five (US and Global) rail systems in the world. The train silhouette represents the length of the rail, and the people represent the ridership.

On the right sidebar is a series of statistical information that one can easily consume.

The graphic is a great because it conserves on ink:data ratio. Each item in the graphic serves a unique purpose. Having lived in DC, Chicago, and now SF, ridden Paris, Tokyo, and Moscow the data is useful in assessing the philosophies of the train systems.

For example, reviewing the SF system, you can tell that it's a regional system with it's spread out routes. With the Paris system, you can tell that it is a predominately city-centric philosophy definitely built before better the maturation of urban planning.

All in all, great graphic. This would make Tufte proud.

Thanks, Li