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The Bus That Rides Above Traffic

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the that's-not-gonna-work dept.

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.

4 of 371 comments (clear)

  1. Congestion? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Couldn't you get trapped under a bus when there's congestion and end up missing your destination?

  2. Truck "Repellent" System by eldavojohn · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Do they have trucks in that area? Wouldn't that pose a minor issue?

    I don't speak Chinese but from watching the video it appears that there is a warning signal when a truck is detected as approaching from behind or in front of the bus. In addition to this there are black and yellow poles that apparently act as truck detractors like the upside down U-shaped hoops in lawn croquet. The bus would fit over these perfectly but a truck in this same section of traffic would hit one of these before endangering the bus. It appears that this would designate which lanes are okay for trucks (however they then also pose a bit of a traffic obstacle where they come down in between lanes).

    My bigger concern is turning and how the sections bend and twist between themselves (as seen at around 5:30 in the video). Is this on a rail or not? Because I could see that being potentially problematic and accident prone if drivers fail to yield to you. I'm interested that they're already planning on deploying this as I think there are things to iron out yet.

    --
    My work here is dung.
  3. Re:Since when... by berashith · · Score: 5, Funny

    Give me 5 minutes and that will say it was invented by me

  4. Some translation points... by grumpyman · · Score: 5, Informative
    • 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