'Straddling bus' set for shortened 300-meter test run

Image shows a recently unveiled design concept for a "straddling bus," which lets cars drive underneath. The concept was the brainchild of the Beijing-based Transit Explore Bus, who took their design to the just-concluded high-tech expo.[Photo/VCG]

The test run of a "straddling bus" that allows cars to drive underneath is likely to be held in Beidaihe District of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province in August, Beijing Youth Daily reported on Monday.

According to the official website of Beijing-based Transit Explore Bus, the test bus will have a single carriage 22 meters long, 7.8 meters wide and 4.7 meters high.

But the test track will only be about 300 meters long rather than the previously announced 2 kilometers, said the paper, questioning what real results the company could get from a countryside road that is straight, without any turns, intersections or even traffic lights. The company did not explain the adjustment, it was reported.

District publicity officials told the paper they had heard of the project but knew no details.

Running along special tracks, the straddling bus is designed to carry up to 1,400 passengers and travel at up to 60 km per hour.

"The biggest advantage is that the bus will save lots of road space," said Song Youzhou, its chief engineer.