CarTube
Cartube is a mobility concept which combines two existing modes of transport, automated electric cars and mass transit, into a single, seamless underground road system. Cartube was unveiled on December 2, 2016 at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers by Lars Hesselgren and his research team at London-based practice PLP Architecture.[1]
Concept[edit]
CarTube uses a network of small bore tunnels beneath existing motorways. A dynamic platoon system controls automated cars which circulate above and below ground, allowing them to move within milliseconds of one another. As all cars within the CarTube communicate with each other, far greater capacity could be provided, in comparison with conventional public transport, as cars can travel in a continuous flow at a steady speed without slowing down.[2]
Journey Time[edit]
CarTube would permit direct travel without interchanging, replacing the stop-start model of current transportation with a fluid, and integrated network. The primary network, controlled by the system, will flow at a steady speed of 50 mph.
According to PLP’s research, CarTube will typically double transport capacity for the same investment as conventional mass transport and reduce travel time by 75%. A journey to Heathrow from London would take 14 minutes.[3]
Dynamic Pricing[edit]
The CarTube could be run on a dynamic pricing model, allowing fees charged to vary, according to the evolving needs of a city like London. This could include varied tariffs depending on the time of travel, or reduced fares for cars carrying a minimum number of three passengers. Users could for example be able to book a CarTube trip through their smartphones using either their own cars or public cars. The CarTube app will calculate a fare and an estimated arrival time based on an optimal route through the network.
Timeframe[edit]
The technology to support CarTube exists; therefore implementation of the idea could happen relatively quickly. According to Lars Hesselgren, CarTube could be implemented in less than a decade. [4]
See also[edit]
- Platoon (automobile)
- Vehicle-to-everything
- Electric car
- Autonomous car
- Vehicular communication systems
References[edit]
- ↑ Dunton, Jim (12 December 2016). "PLP unveils 'underground' system for electric cars". Building Design. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
- ↑ http://cartube.global/how-it-works.html
- ↑ http://cartube.global/how-it-works.html
- ↑ "This underground tunnel for cars could cut an hour-long commute down to 15 minutes". Business Insider UK. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
External links[edit]
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