An Air-Land..... Bus?

A crazy innovation from China



While I will continue to discuss Sydney's public transport issues in my next post, I want to quickly discuss this amazing new technology that has been mooted in China and even better, it is relevant to my discussion on alternatives to cars!

So an innovative company in China has unleashed a proposed "Land Airbus" as a solution to its public transport and congestion issues.


Essentially the Airbus is a large train-like vehicle, that would straddle roadways. It does not require elevated tracks or tunnels, it just sits on top of major roads and moves along, as passengers disembark above the road at stations.

This would mean that cars just pass underneath!!!

So the benefits of this proposed technology are:

• Operates even when traffic is at a standstill 
• Capacity of over 300 passengers
• Does not require extensive infrastructure, it simply needs tracks as a tram would need 
• It does not add to traffic congestion 
• It acts as a beautiful viewing platform for the surrounding area, as it is made up of glass and clear ceilings 

Please have a look at this amazing promotional video, which shows the Airbus in full flight.

So let's look at the other side of the argument. While it appears to be an amazing innovation, is it feasible within a city such as Sydney or Melbourne?

The negatives of the Airbus are:

• Has not yet been implemented, so it is an unknown invention 
• Yet to be seen if it could be put in place in older cities that have certain road infrastructure 
• Safety must be an issue, how can trucks and other large vehicles go underneath 
• How much will it cost?

I personally think it looks amazing, and highly innovative. Yet it would appear an impossible implementation for Sydney because of its narrow roads and hilly geography.

I think it could work in a city such as Melbourne, with its tram infrastructure in place.

Regardless, I would love to have a ride on one!

My next post will continue to focus on Sydney's public transport, if you are interested in the Airbus, check out these articles:

http://audi-urban-future-initiative.com/blog/revolutionary-urban-mobility

http://inhabitat.com/land-airbus-straddling-bus-as-the-future-of-public-transportation-in-the-city/

 http://www.earthday.org/greencities/portfolio/chinas-land-airbus/