05-12-2009, 09:23 PM
Here's a relevant piece from "Slashdot" ( always good for tech news - and a tongue-in-cheek attitude), especially if you live in Arizona !
09/05/12/1811201 story
220-mph Solar-Powered Train Proposed In Arizona
Posted by kdawson on Tuesday May 12, @02:37PM
from the gonna-soak-up-the-sun dept.
Transportation Earth Power
Mike writes "An ambitious Arizona company has recently revealed plans for a solar powered bullet train that will streak across the desert at 220 mph, traveling from Tuscon to Phoenix in 30 minutes flat. Proposed by Solar Bullet LLC, the system comprises a series of tracks that would serve stations including Chandler, Casa Grande, Red Rock, and Marana, and may one day be extended to Flagstaff and Nogales. The train would require 110 megawatts of electricity, which would be generated by solar panels mounted above the tracks." Local coverage of the plan takes a harder look, noting that Solar Bullet LLC is two guys who are now asking local governments in the towns at which such a train would potentially stop for $35K for a legal and feasibility study. Total cost is estimated at $27B.
I believe I heard that Arizona has a healthy aversion to unwarranted expenditure of taxpayer $$$$ ?...is this plan reasonable for the available traffic and revenue ? Bob C.
09/05/12/1811201 story
220-mph Solar-Powered Train Proposed In Arizona
Posted by kdawson on Tuesday May 12, @02:37PM
from the gonna-soak-up-the-sun dept.
Transportation Earth Power
Mike writes "An ambitious Arizona company has recently revealed plans for a solar powered bullet train that will streak across the desert at 220 mph, traveling from Tuscon to Phoenix in 30 minutes flat. Proposed by Solar Bullet LLC, the system comprises a series of tracks that would serve stations including Chandler, Casa Grande, Red Rock, and Marana, and may one day be extended to Flagstaff and Nogales. The train would require 110 megawatts of electricity, which would be generated by solar panels mounted above the tracks." Local coverage of the plan takes a harder look, noting that Solar Bullet LLC is two guys who are now asking local governments in the towns at which such a train would potentially stop for $35K for a legal and feasibility study. Total cost is estimated at $27B.
I believe I heard that Arizona has a healthy aversion to unwarranted expenditure of taxpayer $$$$ ?...is this plan reasonable for the available traffic and revenue ? Bob C.
James Thurber - "It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers."