Traffic jams, pollution, and deafening sounds. These are roads, nowadays. As of now, we have a variety of public transits in India: Trains, Metros, BRT and normal bus. We’re using them for a considerable amount of time. But they have advantages and disadvantages. Metro costs a lot and takes a long time to build; Road-based public transportation takes up road spaces and produces noises as well as pollution to the air.
Then how to develop an environment–friendly public transport system? Let’s give ears to China and listen to the story.
The answer is Straddling Bus!
The highlight innovation of straddling bus is that it runs above cars and under the overpass. Its biggest strength is saving road spaces efficiently and high in capacity. The straddling bus combines the advantages of BRT it is also a substitution for BRT and subway in the future. As you all know the majority vehicles on the road are cars the shortest vehicles are also cars. So looking from this POV, Straddling buses are a massive success.
There are two ways in dealing with station platform. One is to load and unload through the sides; the other is using the built-in ladder so that passengers can go up and to the overpass through the ceiling door. We have to remodel the road and build station platforms. We can paint two white lines on both sides and use autopilot technology in the bus which will follow the lines to run stable and smooth.
Amazingly, this construction requires 1 year to build 40 km. Whereas building 40 km subway will take 3 years at best. Also, the straddling bus will not need a parking lot, that normal buses demand. It can park at its own stop without affecting the passage of cars. The straddling bus can be powered by the solar energy system. The bus itself is an electrical conductor and will work on the principle of relay charging. The power it stores during the stop can support the bus till the next stop where another round of charging takes place, achieving zero toxic gas throughout the process.
How will people get off the bus if an accident happens to such a huge bus? The Straddling Bus has introduced the most advanced escaping system in the world. In the case of fire or other emergencies, the escaping door will open automatically. Just like planes. Planes are equipped with an inflated ladder so people can slide down on it in an emergency. In case of the straddling bus the entry doors will open up. Hence, the compartment will be like a deck.
The bus can save up to 860 ton of fuel per year reducing 2640 ton of carbon emission. China is the only country with this means of transport, many more countries are adopting. It is the future of public transportation.
Future looks good. Real good and efficient.
