• IHeartBadCode@kbin.run
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    7 months ago

    We need something a little more flexible than rail, a little more rigid than current roads. That said, we need rail more than anything because.

    1. We know it works and how it works.
    2. Is a solution we can do tomorrow if we actually wanted to.
    3. Was a solution till modern cars decided to throw all that out the window.

    Self-driving cars on a semi-rigid road system is either going to be the solution that is in the middle for everyone, or something we just completely abandon and we try our best to make modern rail happen.

    I’m a big supporter of more rail, but I’m not completely against car-train hybrids. I just would like something better than what we’re currently dealing with.

    • alcoholicorn@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      edit-2
      7 months ago

      I’m not completely against car-train hybrids

      Do you mean like people-movers, trams, or bus-rapid-transit?

    • SlopppyEngineer@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      edit-2
      7 months ago

      Bikes on trains should do it. The train gets you within a few miles, the last part can be done with your bike. All the efficiency of a train for long distance, all the flexibility for short distance.

      With pedal assisted cargo bikes people can even haul a surprising amount of stuff. People here are already using those pedal assist bucket bikes for getting toddlers to school.

      • nehal3m@sh.itjust.works
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        7 months ago

        You can store most bicycles on trains, where I’m from people have fold-up bicycles that will fit under a seat even just for last-mile transport. Cargo bikes won’t fit on a train though, they’ll block aisles and standing room. I doubt hauling a whole-ass train car just for bicycles is cost effective.