Page 28 - Tropic Magazine Issue 32
P. 28
TROPIC • SPECIAL FEATURE
Exploring options
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Earlier this year, the Tropic team
ditched their cars for a day and
caught public transport.
Buses were the only option and
there were less-than-impressive
results, including super
long travel times, inefficient
scheduling, and confusing
communication about payment
methods. As the population Schwebebahn Madrid light rail,
increases, it’s clear we need suspension railway, Spain
to find another way. So, we’ve Germany The Metro Ligero is part of Madrid’s
searched the world for some The oldest electric elevated railway transport system, which has been
options that could be applied with hanging cars in the world. hailed the best in Europe.
The newly-built Metro Ligero works
to Cairns. in conjunction with the city’s metro.
Pros: It takes transport into the air
freeing up space below Pros: Scaleable for a changing
Minimal environmental impact population
Would suit a linear city like Cairns Works for a linear city like Cairns
Cons: Infrastructure expense Cons: The cost – to put it in
Sourcing construction expertise perspective, the three stages of the
Gold Coast’s light rail system will
exceed $2 billion
Hydrogen powered
ferry, USA
70-foot Sea Change is a 75-passenger
hydrogen fuel cell-powered, electric-
drive ferry that will operate on
California’s San Francisco Bay after
launching trials earlier this year.
Pros: Environmentally sustainable
– not only is it zero emissions but
there’s no chance of fuel leaks into
the Coral Sea Electric bikes and
Great for tourists to get a scenic ride scooters
to the Northern Beaches These are already being used across
Cons: Potential safety issues due to the world and in Australia. Cairns
high flammability Regional Council rejected a request
The need for jetty infrastructure and from a commercial scooter rental
transport connections, including company to operate in the city a few
possible carparks at ferry stations on years ago, deeming them too unsafe.
the beaches and along Trinity Inlet
Pros: Portable and personal
Environmentally sustainable
Cons: Weather would be an issue,
especially during the wet season
Safety
28 • Tropic • Issue 32
