Alternative energy is the thing that is pushing people lately, whether they realize it or not. Train travel uses a TON of fossil fuels, but this train hopes to alleviate some of the problems.
The first phase of this plan for a solar powered train will run from Phoenix to Tuscon, Arizona, and in the future, extending north to Grand Canyon and south to Nogales. Phase one is estimated to be running in 2018, at a cost of $27 Billion US Dollars. Designed by retired Civil Engineer, Bill Gaither and business partner Raymond Wright, they set up Solar Bullet LLCThe solar bullet train will run at 220MPH on four sets of tracks. The inner two tracks are an HOV lane of sorts, bringing commuters from Phoenix to Tuscon, a 116mile journey, in 30 minutes. The outer tracks would include more local stops, and increase the total time to one hour.
The train would require 110 megawatts of electricity and would operate with solar power generated from overhead panels. Gaither is looking to city officials at each of the intermediate stations and asking them to put up $5,000 toward the $35,000 needed for an economic and tax revenue analysis before the project moves forward.
Original Article Here
This is the array of solar panels that is used on the Vagabond Bus:
For an investment of under $500, you too can watch your power meter spin backwards. ;)
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