We held our September event at an Irish Pub in downtown Ann Arbor.   Our speaker was great and well received.  His name is Justin Sutton and he is the founder of a company called the Interstate Traveler. 

Justin is a Michigan native who has been working for years on a concept that seems to be right out of the future. It’s a magnetic levitating rail system that will run along with existing freeway infrastructures.   The high speed passenger and freight transportation system would be powered by solar panels which are used for hydrogen generation resulting in the production of clean electricity and water for municipalities.  As a result, the this mass transportation system becomes a revenue producer (as opposed to a revenue drain like most mass transportation).  No financial subsidies are needed to make this system operational.  Justin already has over 150 worldwide investors – and Justin is offering a revenue sharing model with hosting states and cities.

So far, some of Justin’s technology is currently  being deployed in Middle east cities.  However the company is currently trying to make this concept a reality in Michigan.  The main obstacle to making it a reality in the state is getting right of way access to freeways so the hyrail system can be built (some 36 feet high) along highway areas.  The concept was studied and endorsed by Michigan house and senate and 2002 and is currently being reviewed for another endorsement.  

Participants were very engaged with a lot of good questions.  Several even gave a standing ovation.  Also – there were good networking opportunities for participants as usual.

On October 27, Jeremy and I are planning our first ever panel event with four distinguished speakers.  We look forward to seeing many old and new friends there.  Please RSVP and join us!