Helicopter Transit versus Rail Transit

Transport 2020 recently decided to build a rail transit system instead of enhancing the current bus system. According to their study, rail transit would increase ridership to 56,500 riders per day, while the enhanced bus would increase ridership to 55,000. Their report also shows the cost for the rail system to be $180 million dollars more to build then the enhanced bus, and $6 million more a year in operating costs, for an additional 1150 riders per day. In addition, the rail system would actually increase congestion by blocking major intersections during peak traffic times.

Therefore, a better alternative might be Helicopter Transit. Yes, for the cost of the rail system, Transport 2020 could create a highway in the sky. The initial study shows the feasibility of such a system.

1150 trips per day / 4 passengers per flight = 288 flights per day

288 flights * 20 minutes per flight = 96 flight hours per day

96 * 250 work days = 24,000 flight hours per year

24,000 * $192 (total per flight hour cost for a Bell 206B) = $4.6M per year

That leaves 1.4 million dollars a year to pay the pilots.

The $180 million startup costs for the rail system would certainly pay for a fleet of helicopters and all the heliports we would need, including “park and fly” lots. Just as importantly, this system would not increase congestion

If you think that Helicopter Transport is a ridiculous idea, think about this:

Transport 2020’s Rail plan will attract an additional 1150 riders over the enhanced bus system.

Helicopter Transport will attract an additional 1150 riders over the enhanced bus system.

Transport 2020’s Rail plan will cost an additional $180 million in start up and $6 million in yearly operating costs over the enhanced bus system.

Helicopter Transport will cost an additional $180 million in start up and $6 million in yearly operating costs over the enhanced bus system.

Transport 2020’s Rail plan will INCREASE congestion.

Helicopter Transport will DECREASE congestion.