THE REVOLUTIONARY DUALMODE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Chapter 2
Quotations about Dualmode Transportation
“I share your enthusiasm about maglev dualmode concepts. I know of no other that would use maglev for suspension and propulsion of vehicles that are very much like the ones we now drive. Your loop idea that allows for shutting down segments of the guideway is unique in my experience. This is a great time to put the dualmode concept before the general public, as I think there is great interest in finding a solution that (unlike light rail transit) will provide some substantial benefits for the dollars spent.”—Dr. Jerry Schneider, Professor Emeritus, Urban Planning and Civil Engineering, University of Washington.
“The dualmode system is very interesting. Your proposal certainly appears to meet many of the Federal Highway Administration’s overall strategic goals, particularly mobility and safety. It would appear to serve the economic efficiency goals as well. We must continue to search for new and innovative solutions. I encourage you to submit an unsolicited research proposal to FHWA.”—Letter to Francis Reynolds from Gary Maring, Acting Associate Administrator for Policy, Federal Highway Admin., US Department of Transportation.
“Dualmode transportation is technologically practical, economically feasible, and desperately needed.”—Donald Bailey, Boeing Engineering.
“The question asks itself, why hasn’t the concept been investigated before now? It is to me such an obvious solution.”—Arthur Hoal, Civil Engineer, South African Railways.
“Building a dualmode system is the right thing to do.”—Robert Style, political consultant.
“You have an intriguing idea. I think you hit the problem of poor use of public transportation right on the head.”—Carl Knowlen, University of Washington Engineering Research Scientist.
“Dualmode will be to Transportation what the Internet is to Communication: We had the telegraph, telephone, radio, television, fax, and finally the Internet. We have bicycles, trains, cars, buses, airplanes, and eventually we will have dualmode.”—Ronald Case, Case Financial Services.
“You have done a phenomenal job defining a scheme which reflects meaningful vision. You have given consideration to all aspects of the approach and have a masterful workable system. I drove the 91 freeway to Riverside a couple weeks ago, and visualized the dualmode guideway parallel to the freeway and the Santa Ana riverbed, blocks of vehicles smoothly zipping along at very high speed and destined to arrive at Riverside in a matter of minutes.”—Del Kahan, Electrical systems consultant.
“The inclusion of unmanned maglev cargo containers on the dualmode guideways will make the system quite lucrative. There is nothing even close to that in existence. The system will not only pay for itself but will make big money because of the combined people and freight usage.” —Dick Scherer, systems analyst.
“The dualmode transportation system sounds fascinating!”—Tom Fitzsimmons, Director, Washington State Department of Ecology.
In a private meeting with the author: words to the effect that dualmode has many advantages, including speed, safety, efficiency, capacity, and environmental advantages over the private-car intelligent transportation system which has been under development.—Fred Mannering, Professor of transportation engineering, and Dept. of Civil Engineering Chair, University of Washington.
“It is true that the automobile’s tremendous success is owing to its door-to-door, no-wait, no-transfer service; and if it’s true that the structure of the modern metropolis is incompatible with large vehicle transit systems like trains, trolley, or even 50-passenger buses, then it must be that workable transit systems in low density sections of the metropolis will be those using vehicles that are like the automobile. I suggest that the ideal transit system will serve its passengers from door-to-door with no transfers and very little waiting — and that it will fit the small number of persons having the same origin, the same destination, and the same schedule. Only such a system can compare with the car on its own grounds.”—Melvin Webber, Ph.D., Chairman of Transportation Studies, University of California, Berkeley.
“Dualmode transportation will let us keep our cars and all the benefits that come along. It will however eliminate most of the problems we have with our cars. As a physically disadvantaged person I would never give up my car!”—Erik Driessens, The Netherlands
“In my opinion dualmode puts the Automatic Highway System to shame. This is a much greater benefit for a much larger group. A dualmode system that doesn’t rely on petroleum or natural gas will help solve many fast-approaching environmental catastrophes. There is no realistic effort on providing for the real future of transportation. We are always taking care of today’s immediate needs by adding more roads, widening roads, adding more traffic signals, and then suggesting transit, rail, biking, walking, etc. But people don’t want to use shared transportation facilities; there is no guarantee of usage and not much support from the people. Consider me an aggressive supporter [of dualmode]. I believe that it will be very successful.”—Keary B. Lord, Affiliate Director of the Georgia Section, Institute of Transportation Engineers and Senior Traffic Engineering Assistant, Geraghty & Miller, Atlanta, Georgia.
“My assignment is to look at future automotive transportation system opportunities. I believe there are potentially unlimited advantages with dualmode systems.”—Ernest Tong, Senior Technical Specialist, Ford Motor Company, February 17, 2001.
Next: CHAPTER 3
Why We Are Where We AreBack to: CONTENTS
Last modified: August 01, 2006
