PRT at City Centers
Personal Rapid Transit has always been envisioned for city centers; the liveliest part of the city, combining working, living and entertainment and attracting large transportation flows. Through a network of guide ways PRT allows for individual, direct origin to destination transit.
PRT systems can feature a high station density and (loop) network typology, creating the possibility to accommodate door-to-door travel. Stations can be integrated into buildings (or alternatively near the main entrance), ensuring short walking distances. This in combination with the direct connections ensures the trip time (waiting + travel time) is minimized.
The spatial restrictions of cities will (almost always) require the PRT system to be constructed at an elevated level. Because of this PRT will likely not be acceptable in historic areas and could also face objections of visual intrusion (in residential areas); even despite the small foot print required. Additional measures to ensure (social) safety, such as CCTV monitoring, are required for urban applications.
Personal Rapid Transit resembles the personal car, operating as an automated taxi. It could very well be the solution to ensure the accessibility of city centers as it does not have to deal with its’ negative effects (congestion, parking, pollution, etc.).