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Public Transportation Wed Aug 04 2010
The Bus That Ate Chicago
While the implementation of the CTA's Bus Rapid Transit Pilot Program is eagerly anticipated, it's well-worth paying attention to some of the insanely innovative ideas coming out of China right now. Still in the proposition phase, the Chinese company Shenzhen Huashi Future Parking Equipment has unveiled plans for a gigantic, towering, road-hovering light rail/bus hybrid that looms over roadways. Powered by a mix of electricity and solar energy, and capable of carrying passenger loads of 1200-1400, the vehicle would essentially create a moving tunnel in which traffic would flow underneath the commuting masses.
This vision of tomorrow's future today is intriguing to say the least, although there are tremendous practical concerns to address, especially in regards to how such an imposing structure would encourage TOD-development if it was simply tacked on top of existing car-oriented thoroughfares. But nonetheless, it is exciting to imagine these new systems coming into play. Initial questions to ponder: where would such a system work best in Chicago? Can Marty McFly use his hoverboard to access docking stations? All things worth further inquiry.
