14.1Selecting Destinations:
In order to navigate throughout the Hybrid PT System, a person entering at a Grid entry point will select a Grid exit point by using a predetermined 3 or 4 letter identifier for the exit desired. If no exit is selected, a Grid vehicle will be “Booted” at the first exit. An exit could also be chosen by selecting a destination on an electronic “Grid Map”. A Grid vehicle’s on-board computer would provide typical speed, time to destination, miles to destination, electrical energy consumed, and the condition of various vehicle systems. It may also provide a synopsis of other Grid traffic in the immediate vicinity or visuals of significant weather ahead.
14.2Automatic Parking and Pick-up:
Once a destination was reached, a Grid vehicle could be automatically parked by keying in a code on an external key pad. The vehicle could be retrieved from parking by keying in a return code on a curb-side terminal. Parking via the Grid would take up much less space as the vehicles could be stored within inches of each other on all sides. All parking charges would be automatically charged to a user’s Grid account. It is not inconceivable, that at some stage of development, a Grid vehicle could be automatically sent (unoccupied), on a journey to pick up someone or meet a person who chooses to reach a destination via another form of transport, however, wishes to have use of his personal vehicle while at that destination.
14.3Privacy and Relaxation:
At the same stage of development, during transit, one or more windows might be cloaked for sleep or other private activities. Watching a video, playing games, making phone calls and other activities which would be considered dangerous under regular street circumstances, would be extremely safe at Phase II or III Grid deployment.
Thomas Pumpelly (Email)