Two Big Tests For Personal Rapid Transportation 299
Al writes "A novel kind of transit system, in which cars are replaced by a network of automated electric vehicles, is about to get its first large-scale testing and deployment. Two of these Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems are being installed this year, one at Heathrow International Airport, near London, and one in the United Arab Emirates, where it will be the primary source of transportation in Masdar City, a development that will eventually accommodate 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses and is designed to emit no carbon dioxide. The article examines these two systems and includes video that includes an animation of the PRT system in action."
This will revolutionize transportation... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:This will revolutionize transportation... (Score:2, Funny)
Mall cops use Segways you insensitive clod!
(The funny thing is, they really DO, around here.)
Heathrow (Score:5, Funny)
Oh the delicious irony of using "Heathrow" and "rapid transit" in the same sentence.
where's mr. pointy? (Score:4, Funny)
So an entire community that emits no carbon dioxide. What are the inhabitants, vampires? Zombies? Undead "not otherwise specified"? This "green movement" is getting out of control when we turn to the dark powers.
Re:This will revolutionize transportation... (Score:2, Funny)
...just like the Segway did!
Nice segue.
Re:In my day, we called these cars (Score:2, Funny)
his username is like a car
Re:Heathrow (Score:5, Funny)
You'd be surprised how rapidly your baggage ends up 5,000 miles away from your destination.
Re:What is really wrong with trains? (Score:3, Funny)
As for theft, there is no ability to steal the car. It's connected to a grid, with no means of driving it off the grid. It has no use outside the grid, making it pointless to steal.
You just summed up the single failing point of the Great Bumper Car Heist of '97 that I organized... Man, did we have a tough time explaining that one to the cops.
Re:This will revolutionize transportation... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:What is really wrong with trains? (Score:4, Funny)
Comparing a network layer protocol to a physical and data link layer one? That's good for a 6-month suspension of your geek card... turn it in, right now.
Re:What is really wrong with trains? (Score:2, Funny)
No, it's because she has a can of mace.