New modal visions – cross-breed technologies that could change

As both travel patterns and technologies evolve, new types of transport are being developed. Some are already being adopted and are detailed in the pages of this issue, but there are plenty of other ideas out there which might yet change the face of passenger transport. Some might seem like science fiction, but 20 years ago so did the idea of today’s driverless travel pods now in service. What does the future hold? New Transit investigates...

The Moving Platforms high speed train and tram link concept.

The Moving Platforms high speed train and tram link concept.

Non-stop interchange

One of the things that most spoils high speed rail is the need for trains to make intermediate stops. The faster the train’s design speed, the greater the penalty for stopping. While it’s no problem on a low speed rural branch line for a local train stop at a station, the amount of time it takes to decelerate a high speed train from 200mph to 0mph, and then back again, makes a huge addition to its journey time, which could otherwise be offered for end-to-end...