Magna-Bus?

UC Berkeley researchers are testing an "auto-pilot" system for transit buses that uses magnets embedded in the roadway to allow for precise, automated movements of the bus. Combined with bus-only lanes, such a system, called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), could allow buses to act like light rail systems for a fraction of the cost. Well, that is what they say. However, one has to keep in mind that when one bus is full, you cannot just add another car to the train, you have to add another bus and driver which increases cost. Also, light rail vehicles and streetcars carry more passengers than any US legal buses.



Another example of the BRT concept is Las Vegas' ACE that will connect downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Strip, Henderson and North Las Vegas. Other cities are also working on their own BRT plans.