Jim Kor
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This paper relates to ultra-light and super-efficient passenger vehicles and transport systems integrated into a mass passenger transport. Called solos micro metro, this transportation system addresses the need to move people efficiently within any vibrant city, and the growing necessity to reduce the congestion and pollution now common in car-based urban centres around the world. Solos is a system of personalized vehicles moving within weather-protected corridors. These corridors are permanent, glass-enclosed structures that are erected along high density traffic routes that warrant this investment. The complete solos network consists of corridors connecting off-line stations spaced approximately 1/4 mile apart. The vehicles provide personal space similar to the car, the inherent safety and non-attentive requirement of the train, and the direct non-stop trip of the freeway. Solos is a public system where the vehicles can be accessed and used by any member of society. Solos has been designed to be wheelchair accessible, as well as accommodating all of the physically challenged as well as the traffic-vulnerable or fragile groups within society (estimated in the literature to be between 30% and 50% of the population). Within solos, the size and weight of the vehicle has been dramatically reduced, in comparison to present mass transits (buses, trains, etc.). Also, the integrated vehicle/corridor design has been optimized regarding energy use, and has reached such a low requirement that the vehicles can be powered by a combination of electric and human power. When not utilizing any electricity, vehicles can maintain the line speed of 25 kph (15 mph) with an energy input from the rider similar to that of walking (0.1 horsepower). It is not essential that riders provide assistance, as the journey can be accomplished on electric power alone. However, the rider's incentive to do so is that the journey is accomplished slightly faster, and that the required leg movement provides a comfortable and healthy form of mild exercise. The over-all electrical demand of the entire solos system is low enough to make feasible the generation of on-site, non-fossil-fuel-based electricity. Capacity and range of solos addresses city centre applications. Due to its holistic approach and potential over-all appeal, solos should be able to effectively compete for ridership with existing modes of transport. Being a small mass transit system, solos promotes a built environment more in line with the human scale, allowing for a move livable cityscape, where pedestrian and cycle traffic can predominate. Solos would minimize damage, and contribute to the healing and greening of our modern urban landscape. |
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