PRT System Configuration
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’. 2getthere takes a flexible approach in its’ system configuration allowing the system to be designed as true-PRT (as defined above) or as a PRT-like system.
A PRT-like system will feature an aspect that contradicts the definition of PRT. A PRT-like system might feature scheduled operations (for specific periods) and/or ‘ride sharing’ functionality. Scheduled operations can be considered to reduce the empty vehicle movement, while ride sharing functionality is intended to increase the average occupancy of the vehicles – both resulting in a higher hourly capacity or a lower required fleet size to achieve the same hourly capacity.
The system operates according to operational scenarios. The scenarios can become active automatically based on time-settings or can be activated by the operator (allowing him to act immediately on changing transport patterns). This allows scheduled and on-demand operations to be combined in the same application – using the scheduled service in rush hours to reduce the required fleet size (and the capital cost of the project). Or it allows to combine ride-sharing and personal, non-stop transportation in a single application. Scenarios provide the flexibility to customize the system to the required operations for every (occasionally repeating) transport pattern.
2getthere works based on the requirements and develops the system based on the characteristics of the application, the spatial planning and the customer preferences. A transportation system should be customized for each application, taking into account all specifics to ensure the passenger service is optimized and the capital and operating costs are minimized.