An overview and a comparison of several new-generation personal rapid transit (PRT) technologies are provided. A total of about 40 known PRT concepts existed as of 2007, of which 19 were being actively developed (i.e., not dormant, with some testing completed). Of the 19, 10 had readily accessible operational specifications, enabling an assessment and comparison. Ten operational parameters were considered for each of the technologies. A throughput of 7,200 passengers per hour on a single-track PRT line is possible with a minimum headway of 1.0 s, line speed of 35 km/h, and braking rate of 9.8 m/s2 (i.e., Gx). A minimum headway of 0.5 s is possible either at low speeds (<20 km/h) or with hard emergency braking (≥2Gx). PRT technologies proposing values that exceed these limits may not be feasible. To accommodate short headways and high emergency braking rates, controls that require seated passengers should be considered. Only Urban Light Transport and Vectus feature a full slate of either feasible or fundamental (i.e., preferable) operating characteristics. CyberCab and MISTER would be more feasible with decreases in minimum headway and line speed, respectively. The other technologies are partially feasible, unclear in terms of certain characteristics, or better classified as “high-speed” PRT. The findings may facilitate the formulation of PRT standards and operating criteria. These, along with a successful implementation of PRT at Heathrow Airport in England, may generate new markets and competitive technologies. Further studies comparing guideway design, materials, switching, station design, visual impacts, costs, and financing are needed.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    New-Generation Personal Rapid Transit Technologies


    Subtitle :

    Overview and Comparison


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2008-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Personal Rapid Transit and Group Rapid Transit: Technologies Ready for Consideration at Airports

    National Research Council (U.S.) | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2005


    A Light Rail, Group Rapid Transit, Personal Rapid Transit Comparison

    Muller, Peter J. / Andreasson, Ingmar J. | ASCE | 2018


    Personal Rapid Transit: PRT 2000

    Jack, L. / American Public Transit Association | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994


    Fundamentals of personal rapid transit

    Irving, J.H. | TIBKAT | 1978


    Personal Rapid Transit - PRT 2000TM

    Tauber, R. / American Public Transit Association | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996