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8.04.2010

the future bus that drives over cars!


This is amazing. This is spectacular. I want this. Now. In China, the Shenzhen Huashi Future Parking Equipment company is developing a "three-dimensional fast bus" that will allow cars to travel underneath the upper level carrying passengers: 3D Express Coach (PICTURES): China Plans Huge Buses That Can DRIVE OVER Cars.
The model looks like a subway or light-rail train bestriding the road. It is 4-4.5 m high with two levels: passengers board on the upper level while other vehicles lower than 2 m can go through under. Powered by electricity and solar energy, the bus can speed up to 60 km/h carrying 1200-1400 passengers at a time without blocking other vehicles' way. Also it costs about 500 million yuan to build the bus and a 40-km-long path for it, only 10% of building equivalent subway. It is said that the bus can reduce traffic jams by 20-30%.
Here are some more photos:




It looks like crazy future sci-fi fantasy madness, but it looks like the "3D Express Coach" is really happening. Construction of the first 115 miles of track will begin in Beijing's Mentougou district at the end of this year. Any city that has dealt with its share of ungodly traffic (L.A., do you hear me?) should be feeling this.