Dutch Astronaut Hopes to Revolutionize Public Transit [Video]

New transportation systems like BRT (bus rapid transit) and high speed rail are attracting a lot of buzz these days, but what if someone were to combine the two? That’s exactly what Wubbo Ockels, first Dutch astronaut and general manager of the Superbus Project has done:

The Superbus is the Ferrari of public transportation and is extremely cool looking; however that sleek, aerodynamic design is not just used for eye candy. Once implemented, the Superbus would have access to designated “Superbus tracks” where it could ramp up the speed to a blazing 155 mph between cities, an intriguing concept for cities where high speed rail isn’t an option.

While an interesting concept, a few key drawbacks will probably keep the Superbus from revolutionizing transportation. First is the economic feasibility in implementing a system like this. Who will ride it? The Superbus is currently being marketed as a luxury way to travel for the upper class, a demographic that tends to avoid public transportation. I am also not sure of how the public will perceive the safety of travelling 155 mph in a vehicle not attached to rails. It’s nice that the Superbus is an electric vehicle however this limits its range to 130 miles before it has to recharge, which will narrow potential areas the Superbus can be deployed.

Even with these drawbacks I still think that this project could be used as a valuable resource to transportation management, perhaps some ideas pioneered by the Superbus could be utilized in our next generation of transit systems.

More Information:

http://www.superbusproject.com/

Posted in: Alex Felts,bus,transit,video