Comment Hybrid. Busses and trains make sense. (Score 1) 257
Cars are not mass transit; they take too much space and are individualized. Even if they are shared they are still a waste. If you can spend the $ then I can see why so many people prefer them.
Computer managed systems will make smart hybrid solutions possible in ways people apparently are not thinking about. I bet simulations can show their benefits already.
Quite simple: high traffic areas and locations will use bus and cars will handle low volume. Beyond that you have extremely high volume areas that are predictable where subways and trains make the most sense and the TRANSFER between methods. You don't need a local station anymore - bus stops can be figured by how many people need to meet up with the taxis and seamlessly TRANSFER. As long as you combine all 3 methods of transportation and automate the group you can save a lot by shifting the whole system to meet demand at the minimum cost. Everybody putting in their destinations into a smart phone with wireless pay/transfer means you just follow directions when to get on/off the auto along with any GPS you may need when outside the system... could even tie it into walking and bikes so the bus adjusts it's route to make it easier to catch you rather than you missing your stop.