Hybrid solar/diesel ferries have been plying the waters for some time now, but now a number of new technologies are being implemented, including one of the very oldest - sails.
Karl Vilacoba writes:
"San Francisco-based Wind+Wings Technologies is developing what is believed to be the world's first wingsailed catamaran ferry, a vessel designed similar to one the BMW Oracle Racing Team raced to victory at the last America's Cup. ... In ideal wind conditions, the ship could save as much as three quarters of its diesel costs compared to the oldest vessels in the Bay Area's existing fleet..."
Wind+Wings is still looking for a ferry company to purchase the technology.
"The hybrid ferries would be equipped with diesel engines for when the weather is uncooperative, guaranteeing that commuters reach their destinations on schedule."
Thanks to Karl Vilacoba
Read the full story: Designers Hope Smooth Sailing’s Ahead for Wind-Assist Ferry
Milwaukee can now Impound Cars of Reckless Drivers
The city compares reckless drivers to firearms — “Let’s get as many of them off the street as possible.”
Public Transit Alternatives to Rideshare Offer Affordable and Accessible Mobility
In Minnesota, local transit agencies are seeing growth in ridership for on-demand microtransit services since the start of the pandemic.
Opinion: Transportation Funding Priorities Are Outdated
Investing in technology and promoting innovation in the transportation sector can further the Biden administration's goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving public transit.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment
The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.
Mass. votes against statewide minimum lot size for single-family homes
Over 2 million residents voted on Question 7; it was decided by just over 30,000 votes.
Maryland’s $15 billion bridge project gains key approval
The Maryland Transit Authority said the project will create over 60,000 jobs and add $23 billion to the local economy.
‘No clear next steps’ for Chicago's permanent festival grounds
Eleventh Ward Ald. Nicole Lee has suggested Soldier Field as a possible location for the permanent event space.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority