China Envisions Cost-Effective Public Transportation
Chinese designers have envisioned the ultimate in cost-effective public transportation: a ‘bus’ that carries up to 1,200 passengers, yet doesn’t interrupt the flow of normal traffic.
The tunnel bus, as it’s been dubbed, is essentially a massive tunnel-shaped bus that overlaps two lanes of traffic. The top part houses the passengers, while the bottom features a tunnel opening that allows regular automobile drivers to continue on their journey undeterred.
How exactly it’ll operate still remains to be seen. The first solution proposes that dedicated tracks be laid into each side of the road, kind of like a train. Or instead colored directional lines could be painted onto the road for the human driver to follow.
As for fuel, Chinese designers are seeking to construct a state-of-the-art, roof-based relay charging system that’ll derive energy from charging posts scattered along the route.
The big drawback, however, is the potential inconvenience for passengers. Though most of the time they will merely disembark at elevated bus stops, certain stops will require them to climb down a ladder or, in the case of an emergency, slide down an inflatable slide.
Chinese engineers haven’t been swayed by the readily apparent technological and safety concerns, though. If anything, they’ve been inspired by it.
Sometime before 2011, 115 miles of track in Beijing will be constructed in preparation for a pilot test designed to evaluate traffic management and safety. In particular, they need to determine a guaranteed way for the tunnel bus to turn a corner without running into anything.
It’s a very futuristic prospect, but if it’ll help the public save money, then I say go for it!
By V Saxena on 12-08-2010
