The Hydrogen, Solar, Maglev Train Coming To A City Near You

February 13th, 2008 10:55 AM | by Christen da Costa | 3 Comments

Interstate Traveler Pod
Ann Arbor, Michigan has been on a green project ‘tear’ lately. Earlier this year they began by replacing all standard streetlights with LEDs. Now they’ve got a project on the books called The Interstate Traveler Hydrogen Highway. The state of Michigan hopes to connect Ann Arbor and Detroit using a raised railway like system that combines Maglev, Hydrogen and Solar Power technology. The system, called the ‘rail conduit cluster’, will be zero emission and carry cars, people, and even distribute electricity, water, liquid waste, fiber optics, hydrogen, oxygen (not sure what this would be used for) and other fuels. The project’s brainchild is NEWTY award recipient Justin Eric Sutton. They’ve even designed an ‘active floor restraint’ for loading cars and cargo. The construction is set to start this year.

More pics and details after the ‘leap’

Update: According Megan Owens, the Exectuive Director, Transportation Riders United of Detroit this story is incorrect.  “Your story about a maglev train being built in Ann Arbor is wrong.  The idea is neat, but Ann Arbor officials confirm that there is no truth to this rumor.”

Interstate Traveler Mock Up

Interstate Traveler Cluster

Interstate Traveler Active Floor Restraint

Complete details here.

Via Inhabitat

3 Responses to “The Hydrogen, Solar, Maglev Train Coming To A City Near You”

  1. Megan says:

    Sorry to disappoint, but there are no real plans to build this from Ann Arbor to Detroit.

    It’s a great idea, but Ann Arbor officials have confirmed that the rumor is false. Check your sources!

  2. Ryan Asaber says:

    Megan… you are incorrect. Maglev is privately funding the first test mile of this system in Detroit, and they currently have a hearing in Lansing scheduled. The line is also being backed by several regional business associations.

    Maglev is on the drawing boards for Michigan.

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