Correct me if I'm wrong... but I think this is the FIRST thread I've ever seen on CD discussing choo choos... *puts on conductor's hat*
So now that I'm properly dressed, I believe it was the University of Illinois that did a research project to develop a automated rail-type transportation system that could fit in-between the north/south(or east/west)bound lanes of an interstate, since those areas already have an easy grade and gradual turns.
Also, West Virginia University has a nifty intra-city transportation system that is fully autonomous with no attendants called the
PRT. If I remember right, it's something like 98% efficient for having the right cars in the right stations at the right time to meet transportation demand. True, it's a little on the elaborate and I'm sure expensive side, but it's cool, it's green (ehh... blue and gold, really...), and it's fully autonomous.
One last thing, for this post... I'll submit this to the awesome knoledge base that is CD: Why are so many public transportation companies unprofitable? After reading this thread it seems that this phenomena of bankruptcy isn't limited to any one kind of public transportation. Is there a fundamental flaw?
Thanks for your thoughts,
-q