Vision
Automated People Movers (APM) are a ‘guided’ transit mode with fully automated (driverless) operation, featuring (computer-controlled) vehicles that operate on dedicated guide-ways. APM systems are designed to replace or supplement existing traditional transportation systems and networks.
Automated People Movers replacing traditional systems often adhere to the same concept: mass transit with a line-haul configuration. Typical examples are found at airports and include the VAL-system in France and the Docklands Light rail in London. Although mass transit is an effective solution for large passenger flows between major nodes, distribution from these nodes to more distant locations within the network is rarely facilitated.
There are Automated People Mover Systems that are suited as feeder system (to public transportation nodes or parking facilities). They supplement existing transportation systems and networks by connecting them with (new) developments such as residential areas, industrial and business parks, resorts and entertainment parks. These systems usually have either a group- or personal transit character.
Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) and Group Rapid Transit (GRT) systems are ideally suited as feeder systems or as local transit systems. A local transit system connects facilities within a certain location (e.g. within a business district). These systems have a high level of sophistication, allowing both line and network configurations and being able to operate a short headways.
Main reasons to consider these type of automated systems is the reduced operational and life cycle costs. Electronically guided people movers, such as marketed by 2getthere, minimize the capital costs of the infrastructure in comparison to rail-guided systems. The automated system provides an improved service to the passengers: 24hr transportation, on-demand or at a high frequency. Cities benefit from reduction of car traffic, congestion and the environmentally friendly character of the transportation system. To (real estate) developers and resorts the system presents the possibility to reduce space wasted for non-value added activities (such as parking) by connecting locations and optimizing land use.
Each system has its own niche; for every project there should be match between the characteristics of the transportation system (whether traditional or automated) and the application. To be able to achieve the best fit, 2getthere does not want to limit itself to a single product – having to push this concept for every application whether it suited or not. 2getthere offers the in-house developed PRT (CyberCab) and GRT (ParkShuttle) systems. For each application the most suitable system can be selected based on application characteristics, requirements and the customer preferences.