[sustran] transportation costs and transit profitability

[Milnor H.Senior, III]

The recent discussions regarding transit profitability are significant because
transportation costs are reaching levels that are beyond the ability of transportation
providers to be able to afford them.  There is a tremendous gap in the transit market
place between the cost of building nothing and the price of new transit systems.  The
issue of profitability comes down to the basic relationship of revenue to costs.  What
is needed are transit systems with cost levels low enough that they can be operated on a
profit generating basis.
     When looking at transportation costs we should start with the goal of obtaining the
highest average speed at the lowest possible cost.  The transit system that obtains the
highest average speed at the lowest possible cost will be able to operate on a profit
making basis because it will offer the transportation consumer the best value for their
transportation expenditure.
     To reduce transportation costs we should find the most efficient forms of
transportation and expand their usage in the transportation system by providing
infrastructure designed to facilitate their use.  The bicycle is the most efficient form
of transportation known and therefore, we should be building transportation
infrastructure designed to increase bicycle usage.  In the U.S. there was a tremendous
increase in automobile usage as a result of building the interstate highway system
because it was transportation infrastructure designed to increase the efficiency of
automobiles.  Building transportation infrastructure which provides for the bicycle to
be operated safely and more efficiently will result in increases in bicycle usage as a
less costly option for transportation consumers.  The bicycle has been the number one
selling vehicle in the world for over 40 years and yet transportation planners continue
to ignore its potential.
     There has been a wide range of new bicycle products introduced to the
transportation market in recent years.  Fully faired recumbent bicycles are being ridden
by average cyclists at speeds in excess of 48 kilometers (30 miles) per hour.   There
are tricycles and quadcycles that offer the ability to carry freight and multiple
passengers.  Electric power assisted bicycles are being built and sold around the world.
However, although the efficiency and features available for bicycles have dramatically
increased, bicycles are still limited by the quality of the infrastructure provided for
their use.
     Forward looking countries are providing bicycle specific infrastructure as a
strategy to increase bicycle usage to reduce the increase in motor vehicle usage.  The
next step in transportation infrastructure development should be to build transit
systems for bicycles which will provide an environment within which bicycles will be
operated at speeds in excess of 32 kilometers (20 miles) per hour.
     Bicycle Transportation Systems, Inc. is developing the TransGlide 2000(tm) Bicycle
Transit System, a low cost, low-tech transit product that increases urban mobility while
lowering its cost.  The concept is to build and operate user fee funded bicycle transit
systems which use air movement to remove 90% of the resistance which bicyclists must
over-come when riding, making the bicycle the fastest, least expensive and the most
environmentally beneficial mode of travel available in urban areas.  The major
breakthrough is that cyclists will be able to travel at 32 kilometers per hour (20 mph)
and faster with 10% of the effort normally required, making the TransGlide System(tm)
90% more efficient than conventional cycling.
     The TransGlide 2000(tm) Bicycle Transit System is an interstate highway style
transportation corridor that is only 7.5 meters (25 ft.) wide with a 3.9 meter (13 ft.)
tall center sloping to 3 meter (10 ft.) high side walls.   A center wall separates the
3.6 meter (12ft.) traffic lanes to accommodate traffic moving in opposite directions.
What is not apparent from the small size and simple design is the TransGlide's(tm)
capacity to move more people faster per dollar spent than any other available transit
system.  It provides speeds and capacities equivalent to light rail systems at a
fraction of the cost to build and operate.
     TransGlide(tm) Systems will operate on a profit making basis due to their low cost
to build and operate combined with an exceptionally high carrying capacity.  Operating
at just 12.7% of capacity, the Systems can generate a profit with fares equivalent to
those paid by current transit users.  All cities in the world will be able to afford
this System, even cities that thought they were priced out of the transit market.
     It is cost effective to build the TransGlide(tm) System on grade or above grade
where it can be located over roadways and rail lines using existing rights-of-way
without interfering with their current use.  The System can be retro-fitted into dense
urban areas where roadway and light rail costs are prohibitive.
     The TransGlide(tm) System moves freight as well as people.  The appeal and fun of
free flow travel will return to the transportation system with the bicycle as the
vehicle.  Using the System will allow cyclists to move through congested urban areas
faster than motor vehicles.  Cyclists will use their bicycles to travel to the System,
travel through the System and then continue on to their destination maintaining a high
average speed without changing their travel mode.  Bicycle cabs, delivery services,
bicycle rentals, bicycle lockers, secured parking and other services will be provided.
     Only through reducing transportation costs will we be able to achieve affordability
and profitability.