Top 5 picks for University of Michigan's transportation initiative
The University of Michigan's new transportation initiative, which could transform Ann Arbor's transit network, lends itself to a wide variety of possibilities for better connecting North Campus, Central Campus and the Medical Center.
The options seem endless, and even Google co-founder Larry Page is offering advice. (Think futuristic, he says.) Here are AnnArbor.com Business Review's Top 5 picks for what U-M chooses:
1. Aerial tram
A $57 million aerial tram in Portland, a cooperative project between
the city and its research university, may offer an exotic preview of
Ann Arbor's transportation future.
2. Light rail
Very light rail. It seems likely that this could be criticized as too intrusive.
3. Trolley
Local real estate developer Peter Allen argues that cable cars could present a solution.
4. Improved bicycle networks
More trails, better routes. Not sure this is a year-round solution, however.
5. Additional buses
Not too dreamy, but eminently doable.
Photo by Flickr user Bjørn Giesenbauer.
Comments
MjC
Sun, Oct 11, 2009 : 8:39 a.m.
Love the idea of a sky-train (think of the views!); and, of course, additional, improved buses (those blue buses need to upgrading!). And, yes, let's think futuristic!
Steven
Sun, Oct 11, 2009 : 8:23 a.m.
Best; Sky-train Monorail; A single rail serving as a track for passenger or freight vehicles. In most cases rail is elevated, but monorails can also run at grade, below grade or in subway tunnels. Vehicles are either suspended from or straddle a narrow guideway. Monorail vehicles are WIDER than the guideway that supports them. TMS websiter; http://www.monorails.org/index.html