Pou Tangata a symbol for PRT in New Zealand. Based on a Maori Tukutuku pattern (see maori.org.nz ) referring to people in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) it also reflects the connectedness of the PRT network.
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So, what is PRT? Well it's Personal Rapid Transit and it is something that we in Auckland and New Zealand for that matter, should get to know more about. Why? - Because it is a transit solution whose time really has come. That is a bit of a statement to make but I am comfortable in making it. But first a bit more about PRT as a transit technology.
Bill Ford is the great grand son of Henry Ford and he grew up inside the massive Ford Motor Co. So when he worries about cars' impact on the environment, and about our growing global gridlock problem, it's worth a listen. His vision for the future of mobility includes "smart roads," even smarter public transport and going green like never before.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 June 2011 10:58
Ultra PRT public trials start at Heathrow
Written by Will Wilson
Friday, 06 May 2011 15:50
Railway Gazzette has reported that Ultra PRT has commenced public passenger trials this week at its Heathrow airport installation. The trials follow live testing carried out late last year to date using airport staff. In live testing in Januray of this year Ultra PRT completed a total of 164 vehicle journeys between the car park stations and Terminal 5 using a fleet of 18 vehicles. "This would be the equivalent of moving 656 passengers an hour on the 1.9km journey each way, assuming occupancy of four people in each vehicle" noted an Ultra PRT public statement. All systems performed well and no issues were reported.
As has been pointed out here, while Ultra PRT's system is the second to get going (Masdar city is the first) this system has a greater real world application than the one at Masdar. The good news is that it is starting to prove real world viability for the PRT paradigm albeit in a limited size track. No doubt Auckland airport should be looking at these developments closely if they are not already doing so. A PRT system would be ideal not only for a loop connecting both National and International airports but creating a link to Manukau City. At the moment the proposed rail link from Manukau station to the airport is expected to cost some $700m and will take a lot of resource consents to achieve. A PRT system could be in for less than half that cost.
The Heathrow system is expected to go fully live in July with the 21 pod vehicles operating 22 hours a day.
Michael Barnett has raised the question of buses as an alternative to rail links. Given the substantial costs associated with the CBD rail tunnel, North Shore crossing and airport rail link, who wouldn't be casting around for lower cost alternatives. In his recent NZ Herald article he noted
Michael Barnett has raised the question of buses as an alternative to rail links. Given the substantial costs associated with the CBD rail tunnel, North Shore crossing and airport rail link, who wouldn't be casting around for lower cost alternatives. In his recent