The federal government has awarded Greenville County a portion of $16 million that will go to study a possible elevated fixed-rail system that follows a similar path to an extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail along Laurens Road.

The Federal Transportation Administration said the county will receive $355,000 to plan for transit-oriented development “along a high capacity transit project being planned for the Laurens Road corridor between downtown Greenville and Mauldin.”

The project to be studied will be a proposed fixed-rail system that would connect the two downtowns in about 30 minutes, County Councilman Fred Payne said. These pods would run on a track elevated off the ground and sit six people + standing room for up to 10.

How would it work though?

It’s actually pretty simple. You head to the nearest station, which would be much closer than any current bus stops. You put in your location, pay a very small fare (~$1.50 which would pay for the construction + capital costs). Not to mention, little to no wait times (4 minutes at most).

Transportation problems we currently face: congestion, pollution, access, connectivity, danger with infrastructure, weather, truck drivers, cost, comfort (potholes), convenience, land use, distracted drivers, service area, trip time, quality of life

Solutions GreenPods could bring:

No damages to roads + less traffic

Minimal pollution

Congestion: Bypasses stations for direct trips (hello Target, goodbye Woodruff Road traffic)

Less collisions: West Virginia University has their own rapid transit network, which has been in service since 1975. It’s never once had a collision (think of all the crashes that block I-85 + the number of lives that could be saved). Watch a video of it here.

Trip time: Goes over traffic, therefore bypassing congestion + stop lights

Transportation for all, service area + a better quality of life: While Greenlink is working to provide more routes, better schedules and more buses, GreenPods would provide transportation across a larger space at a price point and time point that is feasible for all.

Special Thanks to Eric Connor and Anna B. Mitchell for article content.