31 comments on Linking Promises to Funding
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31 comments on Linking Promises to Funding
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Unsupported claims of vaporware/gadgetbahn !
Show me a dozen PRT systems that have been in operation for a decade or more, along with their cost accounting for operations and maintenance. Otherwise you are just blowing smoke and selling snakeoil.
BTW, 500 miles of PRT are going to equal 229 miles of NYC subways (with over 5 million daily pax) ? Not to mention 106 miles of DC Metro, 3/4 million pax, Chicago, Boston, Philly, etc.
UNrealist-ic
Alan
Alan, I agree completely with you but have decided after seeing that PRT website that the issue is psychological rather than rational.
I think that many uhmerikans have a deep seated fear of strangers and "the other" that would have to be overcome to actually get on the communal compartment of a light rail system.
Maybe we should figure out a light rail pod system for the agoraphobics who fear coming in contact with strangers. Something like this PRT system but the pod could be attached to a light rail communal vehicle. It would be individually isolated and could be disinfected and sprayed with new car scent after each use. Or if you are really upscale, you could have your own personal tricked out pod. Definitely put surcharge on their use... Now, I'm sounding as crazy as the PRT people but I promise you, that fear and loathing of the stranger is probably the greatest impediment to light rail.
Cheers
fear and loathing of the stranger is probably the greatest impediment to light rail
Quite probably true. One of the end results of social isolation endemic to the suburbs.
My response, perhaps inadequate, is to build the systems that people want NOW ! (or rather wanted in 2003 before the oil price climb) and see who wants more after we get Phase I going.
http://www.lightrailnow.org/features/f_lrt_2007-04a.htm
Best Hopes,
Alan
The US public transit system according to APTA offsets 6.9m metric tons annually. The NYC subways run on electricity generated from fossil fuels (and some nuclear). They may have a similar amount of passengers but have a lower offset due to GHG emissions. NYC runs a lot of empty trains.
Light rail has a very low acceptance rate in the US, because it is too slow and costs an average of $100m per mile. PRT at 1/10 the cost allows a network that is 10x larger.
ULtra, Vectus have operational systems, Skytran is under development. These systems need engineering and have lower risk than miracle batteries that the PHEV people are struggling to a reach 40 mile range.
I'm not opposed to the NY Subways (I rode them for 10 years) but there is just only one project (2 ave subway) that is on the horizon. NYC can seriously reduce car traffic by an above ground solution not digging. PRT is the only currently viable solution that has a chance in NY city.
Do you really thing they are going to put light rail in NYC? Dream on.
-Realist