Logical alternatives to the bus system as it is now.

[Figment632]

they should have buses like Tokyo does:

They look cool but not really practical.

 

[musketeer]

That and why wait for the fossil fuels to run out? If Disney built the monorail, even if it is very expensive, when (and I say when and not if) we have another oil crisis other theme parks and resorts will have difficulty staying open Disney will not have a problem and can take all the people who would go on vacation somewhere else. Besides, when a business spends money who ultimately pays? That's right, the consumer! While the up front costs will be high, I think the operating costs (for electricity) will be much less.

On the same topic of an oil crisis, I am wondering when we will see the first nuclear-powered cruise ship. Such a ship would still sail (and make money) when petroleum powered ships are stuck at the dock. Wonder if we will ever see that.

I guess the energy that runs the monorail comes from thin air?

And the energy required to actually fabricate and build the infrastructure is free also?

 

[ewensell3]

I guess the energy that runs the monorail comes from thin air?

Natural gas actually. Although the onsite generator can also run on fuel oil, which means it could probably run on used cooking oil in a pinch.

 

[PurpleDragon]

Whats wrong with the busses? Why do we need to replace them? They are extremely efficient at transporting thousands of guests per hour to and from the resorts and parks. There is not any other cost effective form of transportation (monorail included) that can handle the capacity a fleet of busses could handle. Cities have been using busses for public transportation for the past 50+ years, they are a tried and true efficient form of transportation. Upgrade the fleet to alternate/hybrid fuel models and that would pretty much be all that is needed.

 

[GMRO]

I find no issue with the busses. Sometimes we use them and sometimes we just drive the rental. Just depends on our day and how early we decide to hit the parks or stay for the day or hop.

Why do we forget that outside forces cannot be controlled? Even if Disney had underground bus GPS technology that automated the actual driving and relieved the physical driving of the bus you'd still have accidents per folks driving into the busses or crossing lanes etc. Ever watch a parade and see the folks who THINK they have an important place to be cut under the "rope off" area? People do stupid things each day. And while on vacation in a place like WDW expect more from them. I think per the miles drove, people moved each day etc the busses have a pretty sound record. They are people movers folks. No need for more elaborate designs, pretty paint etc. Alternative fuel would be nice but past that as long as there are seats; and A/C; and they move mass amounts of folks each day/hour/season you'll be hard pressed to find a replacement that could operate with as good a record.

Shame the morons on the bus, yes vacationers and their families, issues are not addressed more. Can't say how many times I've been on the busses and had folks acting stupid and unsafe. Why pack 100 people in a bus when 65 are safe? Just rounding here… Why anyone would think that just because you are on a bus at WDW you'd be any safer is beyond me. YET folks will jam and pack into the busses until the sides expanded just because they can't wait for the next one. NICE! It really is a wonder there are not more accidents with how folks act. Same people who can't wait to jump out of their seats on aircrafts prior to reaching the gate, while the fasten seat belt sign is lit and the flight attendants talk on the PA to remain seated, are the same fools who don't get it. So put a safety measure in place and just watch how many goons will not follow it.

Good luck on this one. Again, we use the WDW bus system whenever it is convenient for us. Many times in years past we drove everywhere. So I’ve seen the vacationer and his family while learning to drive a mini-van change lanes and pull a flash maneuver right before my own eyes as WDW excitement overtakes them. For this reason I think the WDW drivers do a pretty good job.

AND we always thank the driver/bus - pilot/aircraft for getting US to our destination safely as well. Sure it’s their job but a word of thanks can go a long way too.

Howe's Law - "...every man has a plan that won't work..." Here's mine...

 

[ewensell3]

On the same topic of an oil crisis, I am wondering when we will see the first nuclear-powered cruise ship. Such a ship would still sail (and make money) when petroleum powered ships are stuck at the dock. Wonder if we will ever see that.

Google "NS Savannah".