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

Cardif?

[Anonymous Coward]

That would be the one in Wale, right?

Re:interestingly like logan's run

[Lemmy Caution]

Um, Wild Ride.

SUVs threaten the passengers of a normal vehicle

[mr_death]

Why is not having to lug yourselves around in 6000 pounds of metal so unappealing?

Why to you is it?

{begin rant} Simple (at least for me) -- SUVs excessively threaten me as the driver of a normal vehicle.

How?:

1. excessive weight and energy -- my car is 3000 lbs gross, while a suburban is 8600 lbs (http://www.chevrolet.com/suburban/engine_sub/8100 .htm). So, the suburban is carrying more than double the energy in a collision.

2. high bumpers, which conveniently miss most of the crumple zone of my vehicle, magnifying the hazard of the excess weight of the SUV.

3. poor handling relative to a normal vehicle, which increases the chance of a collision.

4. SUV drivers with no clue as to how to handle these limitations.

5. the fat, tall, and opaque behind of an SUV blocks my view of potential trouble ahead.

6. I observe that SUV drivers are more prone to poor driving -- Left Lane Banditry (failing to keep right except to pass), and wandering all over the road whilst Driving While Yakking/shaving/reading/disciplining their rug rats.

I would mitigate these hazards as follows:

1. SUV speed limit is 80% of the posted limit (limit 70 mph -> SUV limit of 56), which reduces the crash energy by 36% (one half m v squared.) Ban SUVs from the passing and HOV lanes.

2. tax SUV owners on a per mile driven and per pound basis, to compensate for the increased wear on the road. Heck, tax all drivers this way.

3. SUV owners pay $2000/year/SUV into a SUV victims fund.

4. remove the business tax preferences to SUVs.

{end rant}

Ok, so I'm dreaming. Sue me.