[crazy2be]

Of course, you could have a separate pull-out track for train stations, and interleave the trains. Then you would be able to double your utilization :).

I can't really think of any reason why one technology is inherently higher-capacity than the other, it's mostly that private cars are very inefficient, not rubber tyres.

[kbenson]

Sure. I just wanted to run the numbers to see how it actually broke down currently, and what we could theoretically aim for. Light rail systems are useful in that they are efficient, and can readily move large amounts of people currently. Unfortunately their delivery characteristics are very rigid, and they have a very large up-front cost.

An autonomous car system that supports easy ride sharing, and semi-public transportation through something like uber for busses can fulfill much of the same need, but without quite the expected density, but with the ability to deliver to just about any location.

Both would benefit from a last-mile service . Sort of like arteries and capillaries in the circulatory system.

Actually, you know what would be really cool with this? Autonomous bikes[1]. Not that you need them to drive you, but that you can rent a bike and have it show up for you, or rent it at the bus depot/train station, and have it return after you've reached your destination.

1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSZPNwZex9s