HvyOilGuy wrote:
If people switch from cars to buses, which preferentially use diesel, this will drive up diesel prices even more.

Maybe we need to start thinking of introducing 12-15 passenger, gasoline-powered vans as they have done in some countries?

The cities would have to hire more van drivers, but the jobs many people perform don't really involve "long-term wealth creation", anyway.

Driving a van would be a great part-time job for many students, seniors (<70 y/o) or women. Of course, having universal health care would help also.

Most women bus drivers I talked to on the Denver (RTD) System were quite happy with their jobs.

HOG



You could electrify the transit systems. Electric transit uses less btu's per passenger mile and has more diverse energy sources than internal combustion:

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According to APTA, electric railway energy costs are rising much more slowly than bus motor fuel costs.

In Houston, based on Metro's budget, it only costs them 7 kwh per passenger mile for light rail. Electric propulsion cost for light rail in Houston is only $800,000 per year to move 11,000,000 riders. The only less energy intensive way of getting around is biking or walking. Two critical points:

1) Rail has less resistance than rubber tires.
2) Electric traction motors are more energy efficient than internal combustion engines.




Last Edited By: TxElectric Jun 12 08 7:08 AM. Edited 1 times.