Vocabulary

Chain –  A chain would be a grouping of vehicles logically and or physically linked together for transit on a right of way segment. Chain size would be variable and during peak periods of utilization, be optimized for maximum thru put.

Hub – A hub would be the access point for users of the system. The hub would be responsible for securely loading the person or equipment, sorting loads by destination, and finally, presenting a chain of vehicles with a common destination to the RMS (right of way management system). Access hubs would also be responsible for receiving various chains of vehicles and either facilitating their shipment on to a further destination or transitioning loads back into the traditional transportation infrastructure. So, there would be a hub at each end of a right-of-way segment. It is assumed that no reservations would be required, and that people and goods would arrive and be loaded in minutes. Initially, on right-of-way segments that don’t yet require a physical coupling, the hub may just be a section of highway adjacent to a right-of-way segment but eventually, a more robust implementation would be required to mount non-compliant vehicles on compliant host vehicles.

HMS – Hub Management System i.e. Software and logistics control.

Load – Utilizers of the system. Basically passengers, cars, and containerized freight.

Passenger Cabin – Passengers present another level of complexity in the sorting arena. Passengers may be stand alone and similar to bus, plane, or train passengers. They may be in groups, with or without luggage, and willing to pay for various upgrades in accommodation. On the other hand, someone traveling by car to a city hundreds of miles away may want to have his/her car mounted on a sled while he/she would prefer the comfort of a cabin with food, facilities, and entertainment. Container sized Cabins are envisioned.

Retaining Technology – Safety and load density both improve if vehicles are physically limited to their lane. This is not an issue for rail chains but it is for highway chains. One possible solution would be to equip vehicles with retractable pins that when lowered, would mate with a groove in the roadbed keeping the vehicle secure. This same pin might be part of the power transfer and be part of a physical vehicle coupling system. A physical connection between the vehicles in a chain is also beneficial and may also be an integral component of the pin.

Right of Way Segment – Three types of right of way would be supported initially. Class “A” right of way would be newly designed roadbed specifically designed for high-speed electric vehicles operating under control of a management system. Class “B” would be new or existing rail and Class “C” would be new or existing Highway. A + or – sign would indicate the presence, or lack thereof, of electric power provided by the segment. Right of way without power would require that vehicles have alternate source of power such as batteries. Finally, three digits would indicate the desired speed of vehicles utilizing the segment be capable of operating on batteries. So, a 10-mile segment designated as A+200 would indicate that vehicles utilizing the segment would need to be capable of 200mph, capable of utilizing class “A” right of way, and able to interface with right of way power. A segment designated as C-100 might be suitable for a chain of Tesla like cars, with autonomous operating capability, traveling in a chain (linked logically initially and eventually physically) on a section of quality highway, following a blue line initially and utilizing retaining technology eventually and under the control of a segment management system. Gas powered cars may be loaded onto an electric vehicle and enjoy the benefits of hands-free high-speed travel.

Sled – Sleds are a piece of interface hardware utilized to secure passenger vehicles such that they can be sorted and loaded onto vehicles with the same equipment used to handle freight containers.

Slug – A vehicle with limited range. Just enough to participate in sorting by destination. A series of Slugs would be towed by a tug. Loads like containerized freight and passenger cabins would be loaded on slugs and toed by a tug. I would assume that all loads traveling on A+150 right-of-way would be secured to Slugs.

SMS – Segment Management System. The communication and software used to manage the chains currently utilizing the give section of right-of-way.

Tug – A tug would be a powerful vehicle capable of towing multiple slugs. Initially, it would have a large battery capacity that would be quickly exchanged, possibly at speed. Should have sufficient range to toe multiple slugs between yards.

Vehicle – Fundamental component of the system that implements all physical and software interfaces required by hubs and right-of-way segments. Vehicles would be individually powered, capable of transporting cars, containers, or passenger cabins through the hub and along sections of the right of way segments. Vehicles would be capable of following instructions issued by hub and right-of-way management systems. Vehicles would not necessarily be capable of travel on all types of rights-of-way.

Yard – Storage area for equipment. Load volume can be expected to vary from minute to minute. Creating high density storage of sleds and vehicles will provide design opportunities.