Comments on: Diesel-Electric Hybrid Train

By: Owen Birr

Owen Birr — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:46:44 +0000

Fine. Now we need to broaden that concept to the method of transit the other 90% of Americans use.

By: Cabdriver

Cabdriver — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:56:23 +0000

If they are as efficient as CSX claims, I’m wondering why the US isn’t replacing the jets (I read somewhere, a gallon a minute in the air I believe) with high-speed coast to coast rails. All we need is the will, put the national effort into it that we put into going to the moon. Heck if we put three in, NY-Washington, Baltimore or DC to Northern California & Southern Florida round the Gulf towards Phoenix & San Diego, I think we could put off upgrading the Ground control system for planes 20+years for the cost of that upgrade! (currently these are just guesses, I’m doin’ the research now). Now build-in the electric grid & Broadband upgrades at the same time, I suspect the results would multiply with the efficiencies.

By: Jules

Jules — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 22:34:57 +0000

As an international traveler I try to ride every kind of transit possible. I am also a rider of Public Transit in the USA for over 13 years, so I am happy about any development like this; and proud of the extent to which Brazil has moved forward as a global leader to reduce diesel emissions.

Here is another NEW design for inter-city Rapid Transit – that uses 100% renewable energy – built into the system:

http://www.thehighwayintheSky.us

The Overhead Tram design uses proven suspension-bridge technology and improved overhead cable and rail materials. It seems to be an option that could ease the 50′ Rights of Way stalemate for the proposed surface route between Sacramento and San Diego; and also meet voters goals in the Seattle area, when they demanded a mono-rail type system for the Puget Sound region years ago.

The Mass Tram is a flexible system in that you can keep adding carriers, and it appears much less expensive than widening freeways, can handle both freight and passengers without diesel emissions, it could eliminate numerous surface street hazards and help ease bottlenecks, and seems an excellent solution for winter weather airport closures.

Looks like a great solution, among current alternatives. Let’s help the designer find partners to develop working prototypes, routes and funding.