New Thoughts in Public Transportation

Matthew Shaylor writes "The BBC has the following article about an ultramodern public transport system to be tested in Cardif. Unlike conventional public transport, this consists of small cars that running on tracks can automatically take themselves to the correct destination. This allows there to be a mesh of tracks and stations thoughout a city, as opposed to traditional transport which tends to run along corridor routes to a city center. An interesting paper is available. Future versions may have dual control to allow people to drive the cars from the nearest station off the track to their homes. A true replacement for the car!"

Comments

Brits and trains.....

[CDWert]

Why are the brits, or most OTHER non American so hung up on friggn trains ? This isnt a flame(usually a sure note it probably is) But WHAT about train or derivation of it makes it SO appealing to people ? Japan , Ok I can actually see a use there, its like a goddam ant farm. In the US we have the space. Contract roads and transportation to a PRIVATE company, tell em they get paid (for improvements etc) on a per car on time basis. You'd see a hell of an increase in the efficeny of traffic.

At the point they start talking about "driving" the things home , why not just use a car ?

This concept reminds me of those Antique Cars on a rail at Disney World. you can drive a little, but have nor real control.

The infrastructure needed for this would be overwhelming.

Why when everyone talks about "Future" or "Ultra-Modern" does it reming me of a 1950's popular science article like the one on JET POWERED SUPERSONIC ZEPPLINS ??? Yeah they hit that one right on the nose.....

How about this ??? We widen roads, use quality materials, stop contracting to the lowest bidder so they fall apart in 5 years, and quiet and clean up emissions some more, NAW thats too sensible....

PS, I love picture #5 on the Paper , reminds me of the tube in "Logans Run" that musta taken creativity....

Re:Brits and trains.....

[swordgeek]

Ah, the classic American attitude. "They'll pry my car keys from my cold, dead fingers."

Here's a thought: These cars would be centrally controlled, meaning they could be electric or hybrid vehicles which steer themselves, instead of monster SUVs or badly tuned '72 Datsuns driven by psychopaths and invalids.

Or in other words,
"Why are most AMERICANS so hung up on their cars?"

Re:Brits and trains.....

[CDWert]

Freedom, and Independence PERIOD something that was given up in England and most of Europe LONG ago.
This isnt a bash, You opr Europeans do and have done all this unto themselves, for the most part it is acceped and they are content with it. Not here, I dont want to be told I cant go to the supermarket I want to one day because the rail is down and only one goes there, I can get damm near ANYWHERE with my car, I once drove somewhere so steep and treacherour, guys at the top, a construction crew ad a $100 pool going to see if I COULD make it to the top, I didnt know there was a paved access road on the backside but that wasnt the point, I made it up. MYSELF, with no dependence from some goddam transportation conglomerate.
THATS why simple,

Europeans and Americans have VERY different Ideas on FREEDOM, Thats OK, You do what works for you, we do what works for US, I grew up in a Euro/American family, Ive been to Euorpe MANY times and lived there a short stint, I know. Most Europeans are content to have their Govt run their live, AND most importantly, THEY TRUST them to do it. Ok, Hey once again it works for them, America is a country that Inherently distrusts its OWN govt, as it should..

Some things arent whats the better solution as they are a political manifest of independence.

Re:SUVs threaten the passengers of a normal vehicl

[AB3A]

So, you're another person who thinks that everyone else ought to conform to your ideas. Nice try.

Tell you what, take your assumptions and prejudical remarks and, and, and... --Make them in to yet another post worthy of an ignorant Slashdot weenie.

Sheesh. I don't suppose you've ever tried to put a family in your car have you? What? You don't have one? Gee. Why am I not surprised?