Personal Rapid Transit
Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) is ‘a transport method that offers personal, on-demand non-stop transportation between any two points on a network of specially built guide-ways’. A PRT system consists of a number of small automated vehicles (seating 2 to 6 passengers) combining the desirable aspects of the private car (private travel at any desired time) with the social advantages of public transport (no congestion and parking issues).
2getthere’s Personal Rapid Transit system features of a number of automated taxi’s (CyberCabs) and the supervisory control system TOMS (Transit Operations Monitoring and Supervision). The guide way can be constructed at grade, but also elevated, embedded in buildings or underground. The system in configurable as ‘true’ PRT – providing direct connections, on-demand operations and personal transportation – but alternatively ‘ride sharing’ (single origin, multiple destinations) and scheduled operations (to optimize capacity) can also be implemented.
Personal Rapid Transit is all about (network and vehicle) controls. 2getthere’s ability to provide a PRT system is based on the well-proven (20+ years) FROG network and vehicle controls, fully customized for Automated People Mover requirements. The CyberCab vehicle is developed in close co-operation with expert 3rd parties with automotive experience. The CyberCab accommodates a 6-person family (4 adults, 2 children) and additionally has space available for either a wheelchair or luggage. The vehicle features an automated sliding door, optionally a second door can be installed allowing (dis)embarking on both sides of the vehicle.
PRT-like systems have been installed (e.g. at the Floriade 2002 by 2getthere), but to date no ‘true’ PRT system has been realized. The first applications are imminent, however, as increased market interest indicates. A PRT system can be installed as feeder system to a public transportation node or (central) parking facility and as a local transit system. Possible applications range from airports to business and industrial parks, theme parks and resorts, city centers and residential areas.
For any application it is important that the PRT system fits within the environment. In an existing environment, the system will be optimized in light of the restrictions its surroundings pose, optimizing the value to both passengers and local residents. Where and how (at grade or elevated) the system is constructed should be carefully evaluated with regard to visual intrusion, noise and other effects on the surroundings. In a Greenfield development system optimization within the site development requires an integrated approach.
PRT System Summary:
| System Capacity (4 second headway): | 3.200 - 4.800 passengers per hour | |||||||||
| Economically viable from: | Approx. 300 p/phour or 1500 p/pday | |||||||||
| Supervisory System (Network Controls): | TOMS (Transit Operations Monitoring and Supervision) | |||||||||
| Vehicles: | 6 passenger CyberCab | |||||||||
| Infrastructure: | Asphalt, at grade or elevated | |||||||||
| Status: | Engineering 2nd generation completed | |||||||||
| Configuration: | Network | |||||||||
| Operations: | On-demand / On-schedule | |||||||||
| Connections: | Direct / Ride-sharing (Single Origin, Multiple Destinations) | |||||||||
| Stations: | Off-line | |||||||||
| Propulsion: | Central AC motor, differential rear axle | |||||||||
| Energy supply: | Electric or Hybrid | |||||||||
| Maximum speed: | 40 km/h [25m/ph] | |||||||||
| Guidance: | FROG-technology |