Elevated Buses: A Promising Concept with Potential Pitfalls
The TEB: A Futuristic Solution to Traffic Congestion?
Chinese company TebTechnology Ltd. has unveiled a prototype for a futuristic elevated bus, the Transit Elevated Bus (TEB). The TEB is designed to glide over other vehicles on the road, potentially revolutionizing public transportation and reducing traffic congestion. However, critics have raised concerns about the feasibility and practicality of the TEB.
Design Flaws and Roadway Limitations
While the TEB’s design is innovative, it has some serious flaws. The prototype unveiled last week was only tall enough to allow cars less than seven feet tall to pass underneath. This means that larger vehicles, such as vans and trucks, could be stuck behind it, potentially exacerbating traffic congestion.
Additionally, the TEB’s design does not meet the maximum height regulations for road vehicles in China, which is typically around 13 to 14 feet tall. This could pose a safety hazard and prevent the TEB from operating on certain roads.
Unrealistic Road Test and Lack of Transparency
The recent road test of the TEB raised further questions about its viability. The test was conducted on a straight, unobstructed track less than 1,000 feet long, which is far from representative of real-life road conditions on congested highways.
Furthermore, local officials have stated that they were unaware of the road test, and the TEB’s manufacturer later walked back the claim, saying it was part of their “internal testing.” This lack of transparency raises concerns about the credibility of the project.
Allegations of Fraud and Questionable Funding
Two Chinese state-run media outlets have alleged that the TEB project is a scam to hoodwink investors. The project is reportedly being funded through peer-to-peer investment, a controversial form of financing that has been linked to fraud in the past.
The History of Elevated Bus Concepts
The idea of an elevated bus is not new. In 1969, designers Craig Hodgetts and Lester Walker proposed the “Landliner,” a turbine-powered elevated machine that would glide along highways on friction-free air cushions. The Landliner was intended as a thought experiment, but it raised interesting points about the potential advantages of elevated buses.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Elevated Buses
Elevated buses offer several potential advantages over traditional buses and trains. They could reduce traffic congestion by bypassing other vehicles, and they could be more efficient and cost-effective than building new subways or train tracks.
However, elevated buses also have some disadvantages. They require specialized infrastructure, and they may not be suitable for all types of roads or traffic conditions. Additionally, they may be more expensive to operate and maintain than traditional buses.
The Future of Elevated Buses
Despite the challenges, the concept of elevated buses continues to attract attention from urban planners and transportation experts. While the TEB may not be a viable solution, it has sparked a renewed interest in elevated bus systems.
With further research and development, elevated buses could potentially play a role in reducing traffic congestion and improving public transportation in the future.