A lot of times, the future of public transportation is seen to be something that replaces automobiles: e.g., the portable travel pod. However, it doesn’t have to replace current methods of transportation, just improve on existing current public transportation systems. That’s why the design firm Shenzhen Huashi Future Parking Equipment has gotten to work on the 3D Express Coach, which is basically a bus/trolley hybrid that cars can drive under.
If you think about it, it’s the best of both worlds. It’s the size of a bus, it runs on in-road rails like a trolley, and it keeps out of the way of other vehicles on the road while keeping people waiting to hitch a ride out of cars-way. The bus is powered by solar energy and electricity and stands an impressive 15 feet high. While it only has a top speed of about 37 miles an hour, it is capable of carrying 1400 people at a time, which makes it perfect for a very crowded China. The only thing you’d have to change for America is add some mobile Wifi and bingo, you’ve got a winner.
Tags: Mentougou District, Beijing, China, public transportation, 3D bus, drive-through bus, Shenzhen Huashi Future Parking Equipment, 3D Express Coach, solar-powered bus of the future, unusual vehicles, unusual transports