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Dr J E Anderson - Publications CategoriesFilesDocumentsDate added
High-CapacityPersonal Rapid Transit:Rationale, Attributes, Status, Economics, Benefitshot!
02/27/2007
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In this paper, Dr Ed Anderson gives a complete and concise view of the rationale of PRT, its history, current status, and potential. This is a robust technical explanation complete with the data and arguments needed to help planners and engineers get a full understanding.
The paper reviews the
evolution of the PRT concept from its modern beginning in 1953. The early inventors, the projects, and the
response of government are discussed.
PRT activity diminished to almost nothing by 1980, but then revived
strongly as a result of activity by the Northeastern Illinois Regional
Transportation Authority. Their
interest ignited enthusiastic activity on a growing front to the point that
today one can truly say that the concept is coming of age
This paper compares the
middle two options among the spectrum listed above. Alternative #3 will be referred to hereinafter as "Single Mode"
or SM. Alternative #4 is called "Dual Mode"
or DM. DM has the advantage over SM for auto drivers that the
same vehicle may be taken for any trip, just as occurs now with one's own
automobile. In many respects, DM is
much like the system envisioned by advocates of alternative #5, an Intelligent
Vehicle Highway System, except that special narrower guideways could be used
for the automated guideway portion of the trip.
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