tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937602330391830242.post5148534920419926247..comments2023-03-25T02:17:56.058-10:00Comments on Say Yes to the Honolulu Rail System: Star-Bulletin: ‘Foolish’ Not To Build Rail NowDoug Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10191683240304122047noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937602330391830242.post-81983843759055529812009-10-28T03:07:10.763-10:002009-10-28T03:07:10.763-10:00Hi, Vanessa. Thanks for visiting and leaving a co...Hi, Vanessa. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I'm pleased you think your team will find this blog a good resource.<br /><br />I'm not surprised your students are impressed by the magnetic levitation concept. Levitation of any kind has always been intriguing, but here's what I'd say to them:<br /><br />Maglev is still in its infancy; there are no such systems in the Americas. The technology is closely held, in contrast with steel-on-steel technology, which is time-tested and perfected. That means there are few options for a municipality wanting to build maglev -- maybe only one supplier.<br /><br />In a nutshell, Honolulu simply can't afford to be the "test track" for maglev in the United States. As for Segways, each of these technologies has its place, but a mass transit system must serve mass numbers of customers -- day in, day out, good weather and bad. Segways seem like a pretty unattractive way to get around town in a kona storm.<br /><br />I hope your team spends some time studying Honolulu's well-conceived rail plan, for which groundbreaking is right around the corner.<br /><br />Goodluck with the robotics tournament. Aloha, DougDoug Carlsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10191683240304122047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937602330391830242.post-57557907780765097762009-10-27T08:21:13.005-10:002009-10-27T08:21:13.005-10:00Hello!
I'm so very happy that I came upon your...Hello!<br />I'm so very happy that I came upon your blog this morning! I am coaching a Hawaii FIRST Lego League Robotics team that will attend one of our state tournaments this November 7th in Honolulu. Their presentation topic is transportation & our kids (9to 13 yrs old)have decided that a maglev train should be the center piece of a comprehensive public transportation system for Oahu that includes electric commuter buses and shared "Flex Car" style access to personal electric transportion vehicles such as Segways. <br /><br />I know everyone on our team will find this blog a wonderful resource. Wish I would have found you sooner, but better late than never!<br />:)<br />Best,<br />Vanessa BrockusNessaLahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16971849754795983197noreply@blogger.com