Forget Lightrail, forget BART, forget BRT, forget more congested freeways... this is the real future. The pods below are very much a first-generation product, but the vision is solid. I would love to see San Jose push to implement a more cutting edge version of this type of system that could perhaps connect SJC with existing mass transit systems and Downtown San Jose, and then eventually branch out to residential districts and corporate campuses across Silicon Valley. There is a company in Mountain View that is developing a magnetic PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system that can go well above 80mph and can be supported by narrow monorail-like structures elevated above streets and walkways similar to the photo below.
What do you guys think? Does it make more sense to make a stronger push for a new innovative transit system or continue to extend the current systems we have today?
Source: Gizmodo
21,097g90L
A UK Town Is Replacing Its Buses With Driverless Pods
SEXPAND
It's happening, folks. The self-driving car phenomenon is finally jumping from the test track onto public roads. And the revolution isn't just happening in the United States—it's happening in the UK, too.
The small town of Milton-Keynes, just north of London, will soon deploy 100 driverless pods to replace its noisy, pollution-blasting bus system. These so-called Ultra Pods can carry four people plus cargo at a neck-breaking speed of 12 miles-per-hour on a set track. The battery-powered vehicles are already safely in use on a closed track at London's Heathrow airport, where there hasn't been a single safety incident in over two years of use.
The UK is ahead of the curve on this one, but not by much. Nissan says it'll start selling a self-driving car by 2020, and companies like Volvo and Mercedes aren't far behind. But will they look like a family-friendly amusement park ride crossed with a Stormtrooper? Highly doubtful. [PhysOrg]
Image via Ultra Global PRT
Yes, yes and YES! I was reading up on PRT Josh when I was looking into the "Aerotropolis" idea, ie cities being built around their airports (much like SJ in relation to SJC). The current proposal (or idea) to implement PRT to service SJC from Caltrain/Santa Clara, N1 light-rail and perhaps Diridon Station is right on point! I'd even go as far as proposing PRT for the W. San Carlos/Stevens Creek corridor to connect Diridon Station, Valley Fair/Santana Row and the proposed Apple HQ/Cupertino. Magnetic PRT; now we're talking! FYI, check out YouTube video of the PRT system now in place at Heathrow Airport/UK...very cool!
ReplyDeletePRT @ SJC isn't happening any time soon, it was deemed technically and financially unfeasible (at this time): http://www3.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/CommitteeAgenda/TE/20121105/TE20121105_d5.pdf
ReplyDeleteThe City's study determined that the requirements for the SJC-Area Automated Transit Nertwork (aka PRT) system were far beyond any ATN system that had been built to date. Without being able to independently verify that suppliers could deliver on their promise, the City was not ready to build the system. However, the City continues to believe ATNs have enormous potential and is working with others to try to advance the technology and industry in the U.S.
ReplyDelete