Like most “mass transit” systems, Covid 19 has hit numbers, safety and usage very hard. This pandemic is likely to be with us for the foreseeable so this could be a good time to look at our transport systems.
The Algarve Coastal railway from Lagos in the east to Vila Real de San Antonio in the west has changed little in the 100 years it has been running. Over time much investment has been put into ensuring road crossings of the railway are safe as there is always the possibility of collisions on the line. Add to that the single track that inhibits greater frequencies of use and now the carriage units that enclose the public as a group and open to infections. So what’s the alternative?
Meet the Metrino!
The business offering is to not charge the state or local authorities a penny for installation, but to be granted a long license in order to pay back the investment plus other costs.
The pods hold up to 5 people and can accommodate wheelchairs, push chairs and bicycles. There will even be pods dedicated to carrying up to 400 kgs of freight taking lots of delivery trips off the roads. Indeed with operating heights over 5 meters high there is no chance with collisions at ground level. Indeed ALL level crossings can be switched off as traffic passes underneath.
The driverless system will run on its own Solar Powered energy and is automated and can run 24/7.
Being quiet and without the need for level crossing alarms this system is perfect for night time runs as well especially for freight. Staff will be at every station to disinfect each pod after use.
Tickets will be bought in kilometres and each journey covered by this pass, again requiring no other human contact. Additional routes can easily be added. With speeds of 60 kms/hr and no interruptions for stops to let trains pass or at stations as each pod will choose a destination before joining though this can be altered mid journey.
Pods will be kept at least 10 meters apart to allow for pods leaving and joining the track at stations.
This is no future dream with a track taking shape in Spain already and municipalities around the World awaiting the first trial run.
