A pilot scheme could serve a suburban area with a small number of routes into the city centre. The problem is of course the supply of vehicles before general adoption of the concept.

It would be unwise to build a system that was not to become the world standard regardless of its technical merits. A very positive approach by organisations with great clout will be essential to ensure a commercial success in the long term. Independent routes from many commuter suburbs into city centres could be viable in isolation, without being linked into a wider network. There are many such routes on which a pilot commuter scheme could be built. Once a route and the vehicles are available, the attraction of being able to read, relax, study or work in comfort while being taken to near the place of work, in a fraction of the time achievable by the best of the alternatives, will create demand.

There may even be a clamour for new routes, with suburbs and cities competing to be served. Licenses to build and operate routes will need to ensure that less popular routes are provided as well as the busy money-spinners. Vehicles will be manufactured by the motor companies and both privately and transport company owned.

Once a comprehensive network of tracks exists, many alternative routes could be used for a particular journey, making it possible for track companies owning different track sections to compete. Britain could have perhaps 20,000 route miles with 2000 access points. One day it may be possible to travel at an average speed of 100 mph or more, from any point in Britain to any other in Britain or Europe by day, or overnight, sleeping in one's own vehicle, accompanied by a freight, passenger or even camper version. No public money should be required.

Impact