Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:27 — 16.9MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More
Bill James, Founder and CEO of JPods, a computerized series of networks for personal rapid transportation (PRT), in which the physical and emotional stress of commuting disappears, safety is supreme and energy independence – the wholesale abandonment of gasoline, diesel fuel and foreign oil – is real joins Enterprise Radio.
Listen to interview with host Eric Dye & guest Bill James discuss the following:
- For the benefit of our listeners, please give us an overview about JPods and the inspiration responsible for this endeavor.
- JPods has an agreement or test project underway with the city of Secaucus, New Jersey. Tell us more about this plan, and how JPods can help solve critical transportation-related issues in other major urban areas throughout the country.
- What are some of the competitive advantages that distinguish JPods as a superior alternative to, say, light rail or buses?
- How do you envision JPods expanding in the near future, in terms of bringing America closer to energy independence and a cleaner environment?
- Since safety is a critical component for JPods, please explain to our listeners why this option is the logical choice for a commuter with an interest in reliability, comfort and protection.
Duration: 18:27
JPods is Viable Now
JPods intends to build a privately funded mobility network in Secaucus, New Jersey, to demonstrate a cost effective way to move people, cargo, and waste while creating sustainable jobs. Computer controlled, suspended vehicles move 1-6 people or cargo on elevated rails and operate at 10% of the energy required by cars, buses, and trains. Solar panels mounted over the rails can gather enough energy to power the network. We offer on-demand, personal mobility regardless of age, ability, or wealth.
Concept
JPod’s concept is to design, build and operate on-demand and computerized PRT networks that can be solar-powered. The company plans to deploy networks of Horizontal-Elevators™ that provide short to medium range travel using ultra-light, computer controlled vehicles that are suspended from rail mounted on elevated structures. The system is electrically powered. Solar collectors mounted on the overhead rails, positioned to absorb maximum sunlight, make the networks durable against power outages and emit no CO2 gases. The JPod vehicle (PodCar) has the capacity to hold about 1-6 people or a cargo pallet, yet uses about 10% of the energy per passenger mile that is required by current modes of urban transport such as light or heavy rail, buses, and cars.
About JPods, Inc.
The company was started in 1999, and currently has 12 active employees (2 full-time and 10 part-time). Current ownership is private. The development of JPod’s baseline technology was completed in 1999 and patent #6,810,817 issued in 2004 for the use of distributed, collaborative computer networks that move physical packets. In 2006, a 20 foot operational demonstration was deployed in San Jose, CA. JPods has existing Letters of Interest for potential PRT networks including customers such as Anshan, China; Kunming, China; Linyi, China; and Secaucus, New Jersey.
Web Site: www.jpods.com
[box_blue]Note: If you would like to listen to a podcast right away you can hear a sample by clicking on the “play” button on our podcasts page. If you would like to play your podcast later or take it on the road, you will first need to subscribe to and download the podcast using the subscription software on your computer, such as itunes. Then you will have to transfer the podcast file to your portable media device. We recommend the following subscription software for the best user experience:
