Building the next generation mass transport system

I have used various mass transport systems such as trains and buses; cable cars, roller coasters at amusements parks and cars/taxis as well. Most of these have various limitations because of which not every one prefers to use them and prefer to take taxis or have their own vehicles.

The goal of the next generation mass transport system should be to provide a viable alternative to both existing mass tranports such as trains and buses and private vehicles.

Here are some thoughts on what an ideal mass transport system should be like.

The system should use tracks like trains, it should have small capsules like cable cars and should be designed in a way that each of the capsules can be used only when it is occupied by passenger/s.

It should be controlled centrally whereby the speeds, routing, etc. are all controlled centrally and fully automated with an option for the user to manually override, only in case of an emergency.

It should allow the flexiblity of taking the vehicle close to the persons home or work place rather than only going from point to point.

Advantages over cars/taxis

• The pre-laid out tracks would ensure that proper lanes and certain speeds are maintained.
• Being automated, it would reduce the chance of collisions. Most of the accidents that happen today, are due to human errors and this can be eliminated with automation.
• This can be build using zero emission fuels such as electricity thereby reducing the dependency of fossil fuels all together.

Advantage over trains and buses

• Today the trains/buses need to run even if there are just a few passengers. With this new system, the user can engage a capsule only when there are sufficient people to occupy it.
• Since the capsule can be small (to accommodate 2-4 people) it can be used optimally even if there are only a few passengers.
• Tracks for running a small capsule is easier than laying out tracks for a train to run as it can bend around roads much easily.
• This system offers a degree of privacy that a bus/train cannot offer because of which families prefer to use their own private vehicle.
• Like a taxi, a customer will be able to direct the capsule close to where he/she wants to go, unlike a train/bus which drops off only upto a certain point.

Limitations or disadvantages

• People today trust a vehicle being run by a driver, they may not trust a system without anyone visble to manage it.
• People may still prefer cars since they can offer more privacy, comfort and personalisation than public transport.
• People may feel insecure traveling alone all by themselves.