A video of the straddling bus system is going viral on social media.
Although not totally new, this solution is deemed to help ease traffic and curb air pollution.
This straddling bus concept is designed by a Beijing-based company called Transit Explore Bus and was presented at the 19th International High-Tech Expo in China. Apparently, Chinese cities like Beijing are strongly considering in turning the said concept into reality.
The straddling bus presented at the expo would occupy two traffic lanes and carry up to 1,400 passengers. It would travel up to 40 miles an hour above street level on a special track, allowing regular cars under 7 feet high to freely pass underneath.
To curb pollution and have minimal impact on the environment, the straddling bus would run on electricity and take the place of 40 buses. There will be no digging underground so it will be less costly than a subway system.
According to the TreeHugger, the straddling bus concept is not new. In 1969, architects Craig Hodgetts and Lester Walker showed a similar concept in redesigning New York City. It was called a Bos-Wash Landliner back then and would run between Washington, D.C., and Boston.
However, there is a stronger intention to make it a reality today. AÂ life-size model in Changzhou is underway and will be tested in the middle of the year. If successful, it can possibly aid in bringing down the high pollution level in China, but it will definitely take some time.
If ever, do you think the straddling bus concept will work in the Philippines and help ease Manila traffic?
