What's new

"Eco-Ride" - Transportation rollercoaster concept

Nic

Strata Poster
People at Tokyo University have released details of a concept they've been working on which sees a rollercoaster being used as a city transportation system. Imagine a monorail that's actually a cred.

The system has been named "Eco-Ride" as its primary concern is being an energy efficient form of transport. The theory being that you only need to power the lift hill (and potentially a few "tyre launch" type sections) then gravity does the rest. Some of the areas they have in mind to install this system would apparently also lend themselves to a "terrain coaster" type layout.

They are currently working on prototypes and are hoping to see the real thing installed in 2014. Some areas of Japan, including those worst hit by the Earthquake/Tsunami, are reportedly interested.

The system is being developed in conjunction with ride manufacturer Senyo Kogyo. They've got 55 coasters listed on RCDB (http://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&co=6957) the best known of which is probably 'Diving Coaster: Vanish'

Commuting by cred?! Sounds fab to me!

mg21628945.600-1_300.jpg


Full article:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg2 ... train.html
 

Rachel

Coaster MILF
First thing I thought of when starting to read this topic was the old Barclays advert with the coaster :lol: .

I think this could work pretty well, especially to ease some of the congestion on the underground service in Tokyo.
 

Lofty

CF Legend
I've just got the feeling it's a pipe-dream. I REALLY don't think it'd work. It'd be great to see, but an actual working version somewhere that's longer than the first diagram? I don't think so.
 
Top