China is popularly known for its technological prowess throughout the world and it has again managed to jolt the world after it finally turned the concept of a ‘straddling bus’ into reality.
Photo: AP
While the concept video of the ‘Transit Elevated Bus’ was doing rounds on social media since May, no one actually believed that such a technology would ever see the light of the day.
However, the elevated bus is no more a concept after the bus completed its inaugural run on August 3 in the north-eastern city of Qinhuangdao in Hebei province.
Photo: AP
The futuristic bus can easily glide over traffic jams and pile-ups, as was seen during its demo run, which was conducted on a special test track of 300 metres, as per a BBC report.
The bus straddles 2 metres above cars, allowing them to pass through the road below. It is powered by electricity and is able to carry approximately 300 passengers in its 72-feet long and 25-feet wide body.
Photo: AP
Capable of reaching top speeds of up to 60 km/hr, it runs on rails laid on the sides of ordinary roads. It was also reported that up to four of these buses can be linked together, which takes the total count of people it can carry to approximately 1,200.
This will come as a big boost to the country as one Transit Elevated Bus can replace a staggering 40 ordinary buses but there is no confirmation regarding the time when it will be deployed for public use.
One of the most shocking factors is the swiftness at which the advanced transport system was developed. That said, the elevated bus is a great mechanism to curb irritating traffic jams in most parts of the globe.
However, it does not seem likely that the advanced bus will be able to make its way to India as the road infrastructure in the country is not at all suitable for building such tracks over the road. Well, there is no harm in hoping!
