If this keeps up, we'll all be working for China...

[TreasonousBastard]

Brilliant idea:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/business/global/18bus.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

<...>
Though it is called the “straddling bus,” Huashi’s invention resembles a train in many respects — but it requires neither elevated tracks nor extensive tunneling. Its passenger compartment spans the width of two traffic lanes and sits high above the road surface, on a pair of fencelike stilts that leave the road clear for ordinary cars to pass underneath. It runs along a fixed route.
<...>
Huashi’s invention appears to have received a preliminary seal of approval from Beijing. The capital’s Mentougou district is testing the technology and plans to start building nine kilometers of route at the end of this year. If the test is successful, about 116 miles would be put in place.
<...>
The cost of construction — 50 million renminbi, or $7.4 million, for one bus and about 25 miles of route facilities — is roughly one-tenth what it costs to build a subway of the same length, he said.
<...>

[BootinUp]

1. I like it better than double decker highways

that have been known to pancake on occasion and have to cost significantly more to boot.

[NoNothing]

2. How is it

That China can build a 25 mile road/track hybrid for brand-new transit technology for $7 million, but a 90-mile track from Milwaukee to Madison to use with normal, non-high-speed, non-electric trains costs $800 million?

What the hell is going on?

[NickB79]

3. Near-slave wages help. nt

[n2doc]

4. And a complete lack of property rights n/t