Been to NYC once, don't remember Second Ave. But, here is the traffic fix.
Adopt a semi-automated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) with articulated bus configurations of two, four, and six cars. Take two lanes of Second Ave and allow four virtual BRT lanes with BRT systems going in both directions.
BRT is control by wire so the driver has control points at either end and the configuration never needs a U turn. The wheels use optical sensors and follow accurately paint lane markers, simulating the rail track. The driver yields to automated lane following sometimes, and to manual control at others.
Run these up and down Second Ave, the system computing the passing arrangement for arbitrary BRT units. Mix local, medium, and express. Allow express buses on Second Ave to run at 70 MPH on stretches.
They all communicate and have the usual digital assist all around.
Advantages: Zero street infrastructure costs. All technology assist from silicon intelligence, about four times the capacity in passenger mile per unit time as subway.
2 comments:
I'd prefer a Second Avenue PRT. Or, failing that, one along the FDR
PRT is perfectly welcome, the little podcars can serve as personal taxis and take advantage of all the digital assist built for BRT. BRT and PRT mix quite well because they talk the same language; Digital Traffic Speak!
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