Innovative Bus Straddles Car Traffic

[exmaxima1]

Just read about a new bus in China that is so novel in it's design that it actually makes sense: it straddles car traffic. Can be built for 1/10 the cost of a subway, and in much less time. Absolutely amazing that China is building the most advanced infrastructure in the world while we can't even figure out how to repair our broken roads and bridges...

http://jalopnik.com/everything-that-makes-chinas-new-traffic-straddling-bus-1784768447

 

[ishiboo]

Just read about a new bus in China that is so novel in it's design that it actually makes sense: it straddles car traffic. Can be built for 1/10 the cost of a subway, and in much less time. Absolutely amazing that China is building the most advanced infrastructure in the world while we can't even figure out how to repair our broken roads and bridges...

http://jalopnik.com/everything-that-makes-chinas-new-traffic-straddling-bus-1784768447

1) That's not a bus, that's a train that runs on rails. It requires huge sweeping turns, track infrastructure in the roads, charging stations, etc. Probably easier to build a raised train.
2) They have 350 people per square mile versus our 84, so outside of major congested cities there is zero comparison in traffic needs.
3) Our infrastructure overall is actually pretty good, all things considered. We spend our money on other things.

Pfft.

 

[exmaxima1]

1) That's not a bus, that's a train that runs on rails. It requires huge sweeping turns, track infrastructure in the roads, charging stations, etc. Probably easier to build a raised train.
2) They have 350 people per square mile versus our 84, so outside of major congested cities there is zero comparison in traffic needs.
3) Our infrastructure overall is actually pretty good, all things considered. We spend our money on other things.

Pfft.

If you watch the video in that article you see that rails are not necessary. There is an option for simple painted lines that the bus will navigate. And China already has large sweeping turns in many of its roads. I give them huge kudos for investing in advanced concepts and planning for their future.

 

[Orionrising]

errr what happens when a car turns, or the bus turns and car want to go straight....

 

[matt_i]

I think the nation of China is trying to build up their engineering. The western world basically built them manufacturing capability because their costs were so low. However we mostly retained the engineering-design part of the equation.

I offer the kooky brake rotor design that the author pointed out as evidence for above. Why would you not make the bus sides 6" thicker on the OD, and offer a same-shaft/direct drive design. One could argue that they are going to regen the braking energy and friction brakes are barely needed. I hope they build two as one is going to be constantly out of service in the maintenance shop.

I also see a lot of safety issues with the close clearances involved. It may be good if the roads are clogged. There are issues with respect to lighting of the tunnel, and with respect to snowy & icy roads. I don't see it being a very fast vehicle, although I suppose if its faster than the gridlocked traffic it would be an improvement.

 

[brownbagg]

i like to see it switch lane while there cars under it. wonder if trucks going try to go under, yes i know but we cant keep trucks out of our tunnels, daily with ten floor ceiling height

 

[pcmeiners]

Would last about 10 seconds in Manhattan, I can see it now, major pileup under the "bus", due to an old lady becoming fearful, 15 people involved, suing the city for 5 mil a piece, for injuries, pain and suffering and lack of service. It may work over there, as lawyer are not out of hand yet in their justice system.
I can see these "buses" breaking down on the congested streets of Manhattan, basically grid lock for hours. Love to see the vehicle which will tow one of these back to the shop.

 

[exmaxima1]

i like to see it switch lane while there cars under it. wonder if trucks going try to go under, yes i know but we cant keep trucks out of our tunnels, daily with ten floor ceiling height

It is not designed to change lanes. It tracks the edges of the road and straddles the whole thing. There are a series of overhead barriers that define the maximum allowable height---similar to the suitcase gauge used at airports---as well as numerous electronic sensors on the bus that alert oversize vehicles before they enter. While there will always be naysayers against it, I still like the spirit of those who try