Chinese "Car-Swallowing" Bus Actually First Proposed in 1969 for NYC

Remember that cutting-edge bus that straddles traffic built by the Chinese earlier this year? Dakota Smith at Curbed LA found an LA architect that proposed the entire idea back in 1969.

1 minute read

November 3, 2010, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Architect Craig Hodgetts' idea was the cover story of New York magazine back in February of 1969. He called his proposal the "Landliner." Hodgetts believed that the Landliner would be effective at servicing a long, linear city like New York:

"To service this linear city, the Landliner, inspired by the Staten Island Ferry, according to Hodgetts ("it was wide, short and stocky, rather than long and thin [like a] traditional train"). The Landliner would zip above existing roadways, rising on nearly friction-free air cushion bearings, and hovering above cars."

Hodgetts' Landliner would travel at light-rail speeds and have services on-board like gyms and bars.

Pictures over at Curbed LA.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 in Curbed LA

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up of wood log with emerald ash borer larvae tracks etched in the wood.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests

The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.

30 minutes ago - The Bemidji Pioneer

Yellow cabs and black sedansin traffic jam in New York City.

Agreement Keeps NYC Congestion Pricing Alive Through Summer

The tolling program will continue while a court considers the city’s lawsuit against the Trump administration.

1 hour ago - The Hill

Sign for Palisades Recreation Center in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground

Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

April 10 - Los Angeles Mayor