Straddling Bus

China is going to build Straddling Bus in Beijing at the end of the year. The concept is typical for big and crowded cities in Asia. When there is little or no space on the ground level, let's build vertically. In busy cities like Hong Kong, buses effectively take up one traffic lane closest to the sidewalk during busy hours because of frequent bus stops and large number of people getting on and off buses. With the straddling bus, other traffic can still go under the bus. People may argue the feasibility of the concept because of the chaotic traffic and crazy drivers in that part of the world. If you think about it, the straddling bus is just like a moving tunnel. It may work and force people to start obeying traffic rules. Also, the inventor has put thoughts behind safety features such as warning lights when the car under the straddling bus is getting too close to the side of the bus.

It is good that China is giving this new public transport concept a test run in Beijing. It is not without potential issues. For example, where do you put the tracks for the straddling bus? If you put them next to the sidewalk, then double decker buses cannot use the lane(s) under the straddling bus. Also, new traffic signals and signs are needed because the straddling bus will block some of the existing traffic lights and warning signs. None of these problems are unsolvable. It is the beginning of an idea and much research and analysis are required. I applaud people coming up with ideas to solve real problem and hope they will get the support they need to bring the concept to commercial realization.