Jon Worth2d ago

ÉcoTrain: €3 million to answer the wrong question
https://jonworth.eu/ecotrain-eu3-million-to-answer-the-wrong-question/

The problem with branch lines is seldom THE TRAIN. It is THE TRACK and the lack of available finance. Some autonomous Gadgetbahn is not going to fix that mundane problem!

ÉcoTrain: €3 million to answer the wrong question

It is one of the 100 startups to watch in France, according to Challenges - ÉcoTrain wants to build a new train to run on abandoned branch lines, and they have €3 million of initial funding. They even brought their prototype to the Elysée, and you can find more background

Jon Worth
Show threadDaniel Brotherston2d ago

@jon I understand the believe for techies that there must be a technical solution to non-technical problems. And to be fair, there are often technical solutions that make fixing the problem more feasible.

E.g., with transport, autonomous buses would make mass transit more feasible in more places, but ultimately yeah, nerds just like trains.

Show threadJon Worth

@danbrotherston Then run *an autonomous bus*

The place to start with autonomous trains is also not on rural lines, but with metros. Benefit is larger, and it is safer.

Apr 9 at 11:47amWeb
Show threadDaniel Brotherston2d ago
@jon I literally said autonomous buses.
Show threadJon Worth2d ago
@danbrotherston Sorry, my mind is tired. Apologies!
Show threadDaniel Brotherston2d ago
@jon No worries :)