China's Three Dimensional Fast Bus

China is investing heavily in its urban infrastructure, especially mass transit. Its latest and most unique transit solution is the ‘three-dimensional fast bus’ that operates like a mobile tunnel, travelling over the top on motorcycles and cars. While commuter’s board from stations that are elevated one story above the ground, when the bus stops to pick up as many as 1200 passengers at a time, it’s does not have an effect on traffic flow.

China's proposed 3-dimensional bus system (Smart Travel Guide. 2011) 

While projects such as these often appear to be just out of the reach of man-kinds technological capabilities, construction of a 115-mile line in Beijing’s Mentougou District is set to begin by the end of 2011. The straddling buses are suggested to be three times faster and more affordable to construct than subways and rail transport. Operation costs are also considerably lower as the wheel-rail-hybrid is to be powered by municipal energy and solar energy. Motion sensors will also alert motorists if they swerve too close to the bus or if their vehicle is too large to travel through the tunnel. Beijing is predicted to experience a 25% reduction in traffic jams as a result on the three dimensional fast bus.

Ideas from:
http://www.utne.com/science-and-technology/public-transportation-solution-straddling-bus.aspx