| In the 4 minute / 40 people scenario, you're only talking about 10 people every minute. 10 pods stationed at that stop solves it. Now, everyone doesn't wait 3-4 minutes. They just get on the next available pod. Remember, people coming into a typical station don't come 40 at a time. They come in clumps of 1-4. All of which transforms a batch system (subway/light rail), to a continuous system. There is an assumption that stations are off the main rail. Which, given the size of a typical pod, is feasible. It is certainly much smaller than your typical light rail system ===
btw. wrt to speed. There's nothing stopping you pre-ordering a destination at a machine (or smartphone) before you get to a pod. Swipe your credit card, see your name on the pod you should go to. Walk in. Sit. And go. And in the case of your daily commute, even easier. Have it pre-set. Jump in to a pod, face-recognition (or nfc/ble) and if it's your 'typical' time, you're off. No pressing/no swipes. Just go. ===
NIMBy's are always going to be an issue and off-grade (eg. above/below ground) is typically going to be required. Self-driving cars.. are definitely -the- alternative. But only if there's actually enough road. Eg. it's not going to go any faster during rush hour. It just means you're not going to be driving. |