A mass-transportation system suitable for urban and interurban traffic is outlined which increases the carrying capacity and minimizes crowding and waiting periods. In its ultimate form, the system utilizes individual air-cushioned cars with a capacity of about 25 passengers. These cars take on and discharge passengers at the periphery of continuously rotating platforms without coming to a stop. Transfers between local cars and express cars, similarly, can be effected without speed reduction of the express cars. Car storage is provided at the several stations, permitting rapid response of the rolling stock on the tracks to passenger demand. Propulsion may be effected by linear motors with the rotor embedded in the track or similar techniques which minimize the weight and complexity of construction of the cars. It is a special feature of the system that the cars remain continuously in motion except when in storage. Furthermore, the passengers, in proceeding from the stationary center of the rotating station platforms to the periphery, where they mount the cars, are automatically accelerated to the speed of the cars, so that transfer is effected to and from relatively stationary cars. The system described appears well adapted to automation, economic in power consumption, and can be introduced stepwise, initially utilizing conventional cars. A close examination of technical and economic problems with the aid of a reduced-scale model of the system and computer simulation of the system operation is recommended. /author/.
Abstract