Instead of spending millions to widen roads or build subways, a Chinese company is developing a “three-dimensional fast coach”, a raised bus that will allow cars to travel underneath unimpeded, while hundreds of passengers board and disembark overhead, without blocking traffic.
The model looks like a subway or light-rail train bestriding the road. It is 4.5 meters high (17.5 feet) with two levels: passengers board on the upper level, while other cars can keep going, traveling through the bus underneath.
Powered by electricity and solar energy, the bus can travel along at 37 mph (60 km/h) while carrying 1200-1400 passengers at a time, without blocking other vehicles’ way.
It costs a fraction to build compared to alternatives and needs just 10% of the space of an equivalent subway. It is said that the bus can reduce traffic jams by 20-30%.
(READ more in China Hush) – Thanks to Andy Corbley for submitting the link!