Originally Posted by
tandempower
But what else could make bus transit more popular, especially for longer distances.
some ideas:
1) self-driving systems for the highway portion of a trip: making a long-distance run requires drivers to stay overnight and/or return to point-of-origin as a passenger, which wastes time and money. Self-driving buses could go long distances without inconveniencing drivers, who would only need to bring the bus to and from highway exits.
2) bus trains: connecting multiple buses on the highway would save fuel. Autonomous control systems would make it safe to do.
3) refueling without stopping: it would be challenging to design a refueling system that could operate while the bus and fueling vehicles are moving next to each other at highway speed, but autonomous control and other safety systems could make it feasible, imo.
What other potential can you think of for bus transit for intercity travel? More leg room? Beds for sleeping? Private passenger compartments?
1) Self-driving - that would save the company money and possibly lead to lower fares but it wouldn't speed up travel very much as they currently keep the buses moving by switching drivers at nodal points.
2) Bus trains. Probably not. That would disrupt traffic for other vehicles by making lane changes more difficult. As well, if the front bus did crash, a lot more people might get hurt.
3) Refueling as they go - probably not, as they still need rest stops for passengers, plus they would need a fuel truck to accelerate to pace the bus and that might use more gas than it saves.