GRT Maintenance Depot and Control Room
Each application requires a maintenance depot. As a rule of thumb, the maintenance depot should accommodate (at least) 10% of the total fleet size. The control room, another requirement, could be integrated near the maintenance depot – allowing for shared use of (human) resources.
The maintenance depot should be equipped with a repair and maintenance unit to perform regular preventive maintenance and repairs. The maintenance personnel should have sufficient space available to access among others brakes, tires, electric components and traction system. An inspection pit is essential to gain access to any parts mounted underneath the vehicle. A forklift (or alternative lifting device) should be present for lifting the batteries from the vehicle. Maintenance and repairs will be done primarily during the daytime. Preferably the maintenance depot is located adjacent the track.
The control room is equipped with the supervisory system and display for both the stationary and vehicle cameras. The intercom at stations and in vehicles connects to the control room as well. As there is typically only one operator required, the minimum footprint (15m2) is small. Depending on the environment heating and/or airconditioning should be installed. A location near the track is preferred, as it will allow for quick (physical) intervention by the operator(s) when required.