Personal Rapid Transit in New Zealand - Future Transit Now!

The eagerly anticipated PRT feasibility study for Ithaca New York is out now. The study has been prepared for the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The study was prepared in conjunction with Connect Ithaca an ad hoc group formed to promote and establish a long-term transportation and redevelopment plan for the City.

The study itself evaluates the feasibility of implementing a PRT system and the policies reqired to promote transit oriented development (TOD). It assesses how tthese solutions will enhance quality of life and promote economic development in New York’s small and mid-sized cities.The study concluded "a PRT system can be physically accommodated within the existing built environment of a mature city like Ithaca and that in conjunction with transit-oriented development would provide substantial environmental, quality of life and economic benefits to the region.”

Leading PRT expert Dr Ed Anderson noted "This report appears to me to be the most detailed study of the application of PRT to any American city."

This will be a must read for Auckland City transit people. It should resonate well with the people of Auckland, now that we have a new Super City Mayor in Len Brown, who is advocating economic growth through a rapid transit solution.

Read and download the summary here Ithaca NY - PRT Feasibility Study - September 2010

The full version of the report with appendices and endnotes can also be accessed here