The Bus That Rides Above Traffic

An anonymous reader writes "China is the new tech king. They're developing a new, two-lane bus system that travels over traffic below. It's claimed to cost 10% of a subway system and use 30% less energy than current bus technologies." This one has been boggling my brain. I can't see how this is a good idea or safe. But it sure is awesome.

Comments

Some translation points...

[grumpyman]

• it is greener than bus (noise and air)
• idea is combination of bus rapid transit (BRT) and subway
• common cities have height limit of 4.5-5 m: this new vehicle make use of the space between the regular cars and under bridge/overpass
• the key benefit is reduce road use and the use of main road/conduits by 25-30%
• average speed is 40km/hr
• capacity is 1200 (each section is 300)!!!
• another benefit is build-out time: 40km segment takes 1 year vs subway takes minimum 3 years
• no need for bus terminal parking - just park at stations
• two alternatives for build-out: one is to build 2 rails; one is no rail but using guiding system to make sure it follows the white-lines
• using BRT idea of express in stopping general traffic at certain junction for the vehicle to pass first (e.g. turning)
• passenger entrances/exits can be on 2 sides or on 'vehicle' roof top
• powered by electricity and supplement by solar
• recharged using 'taps' co-located at light post (relay)
• each vehicle reduces use of gasoline 864 tons and green house gas 2640 tons (???)
• 1st stage technology trial is completed (???)
• a suburb/town near Bejing is planning 186km for this vehicle and start construction this year