China straddling bus

In a bold attempt to cut down the congestion and pollution that plagues China’s largest cities, the country is developing a bus that won’t be caught pumping out fumes while stuck in traffic jams

The “3D Express Coach”, designed by the Shenzhen Huashi Future Parking Equipment company, straddles the road as regular traffic passes through the bus’ giant tunnel. Above, up to 1,400 passengers can ride the vehicle, knowing their transport won’t get bogged down in congestion.

The vehicle is about 4 to 4.5 metres high (about the same height as BRITONS double-decker buses), and vehicles lower than two metres can easily pass under. Powered by electricity and solar energy (another advantage for a city that pumps out 2,640 ton of carbon emission from buses), the traffic gobbling monster is capable of speeds up to 60 km/h.

Passengers will board the vehicle at above-ground loading stations, while traffic continues to pass underneath the stationary coach.

It’s the country’s top solution to a problem that’s challenged both urban planners and pollution critics, not wanting to cram in more subways or litter the streets with more buses. It’s also far cheaper than building more subways, with the 500 million yuan cost of the bus and 40 kilometres of railing (about £46 million), it’s a good 10 per cent cheaper than constructing an equivalent below-ground transit system.

The vehicle has passed it’s first stage of demonstration, and will go through technical validation throughout the month. If all goes well, a planned 186km of straddling bus roadway will begin construction at the year’s end.