Personal Rapid Transit (PRT)
Model of the London Vehicle
“What we know about PRT Regionally, Statewide, Nationally, & in the UK”
by Mukhtar “Mook-tar” ThakurDirector, Multi-Modal Innovation Officeat Mn/DOT - ACEC Annual Conference March, 2010
In the Metro Region• City of Bloomington has had discussions/ presentations
from three different PRT related groups.• Maple Grove is said to have discussions about developing
the parcel near the Gravel Pit with a crossing over 694.• Mn/DOT has heard of or seen printed sketches of
proposals for:- Ford Plant Site – connections to Hiawatha Light Rail Station- Edina- Richfield (in combination)- Bloomington
PRT = Personal Rapid Transitat London Airport
Statewide
City of Winona is interested in pursuing a PRT demonstration project:-Winona has submitted for a Federal (PRT) grant
-A sketch shows crossing of TH 61
-The City Council is supportive
-Mn/DOT has issued letter of support for their Grant Application
Nationally
City of San Jose, CA is exploring PRT at their airport.- RFI issued October 2008 – 19 responses received; and- RFP issued for ~$4M study – ongoing.
City of Santa Cruz, CA- October 2008 issued an RFQ for a PRT System –
.
Alameda, CA - Developer ProposalPeter Calthorpe of Calthorpe Associates
-
Nationally (New Jersey continued)
New Jersey State Had a Legislative Study PerformedFebruary 2007 Report stated:• PRT Systems are approaching but not yet ready for
deployment.• Many of the technical components needed to support PRT
systems are commercially available and are used in other industries.
• Global PRT interest and development programs are expanding.• A fully operational PRT system is needed to demonstrate the
theoretical benefits of PRT and establish commercial readiness.
Nationally (New Jersey continued)• A comprehensive technology research and demonstration
program is needed to develop a PRT system.• Construction of PRT underway in two locations.• Several other cities in the world seriously considering the
development of PRT systems.• Many challenges that face PRT in terms of large scale
deployment such as:- technological limitations- a very small number of manufacturers worldwide- proprietary system components that limit open competition
and sustainability
Nationally (New Jersey continued)• Any application of PRT in the commonwealth would likely
require additional research, development and funding to ensure that the system is sustainable long enough to achieve a return on the investment.
Skyweb Express Vehicle
Nationally (continued)
Virginia Finds PRT ViableReport to Virginia legislature, December 2008, noted:- Construction of PRT underway in two locations
(London & Abu Dhabi);- Several other cities seriously considering
development of PRT systems; and- Appears that technology is evolving from concept to
reality.
Nationally (Virginia continued)• Many challenges to implementation of large sale systems:- Technological limitations;- Small number of manufacturers worldwide;- Proprietary System Components that limit competition &
sustainability;- Any application in Virginia would likely require additional
research, development and funding; and- Proposal was Portsmouth be considered as one potential
for a pilot program.
Nationally (continued)Shoreline Biz Park/Google/Mountain View Downtown/NASA
• Research Pk PRT – first version June 2008– last update September 2009
Ithaca, NY Study• Awarded in 2009- 12 stations, 7.7 miles of Guideway, Lawnet Cornell
University & Ithaca College,
In the UK
• PRT “demoline” start date is this Spring at London’s Heathrow Airport.
- Connects two Park & Ride locations to Terminal 5 approx. 1 mile away
- Costs stated to be approx. $40M
- Start date has been delayedat least twice, now statedto be Spring, 2010 London’s Heathrow Airport
Terminal 5 Station
• Stations are like bus stops. Destination selected by Smart Card and touch screen. (Smart Card keeps info on passengers for personalized service.)
• For typical 1 mile journey approximately 3 minutes.
• Expected to be very reliable.
• Pods run either at ground level or elevated guideways supported by lightweight steel structures.
Stop at London Park and Ride
Stop at London Park and Ride
In the UK (continued)• In the UK these points were noted about PRT:- Less disruption to ongoing operations at Heathrow;- Faster construction due to smaller scale;- Scalability;- Opportunity to extend to Airport Environment and
other terminals; and- Low Emissions.
In the UK (continued)• Obstructions on guideway will automatically stop the
pod and alert Central Control.• Emission factor saving 3-4 times over cars or
public transport. Reduces carbon emissions now.• Vandalism Resistant.• It could run on solar power.
Guideway Leading to the PRT Stop at London
Mn/DOT Update on Personal Rapid Transit (PRT)
- Request for Interest (RFI) published in State Register of February 08, 2010, download from: www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/
deadline for responding is May 4, 2010- Hoping for at least 5 and as many as 10 responders- Creation of a Personal Rapid Transit Alliance (PRTA) group
is one goal of the RFI- Seeking to explore and gather interest about PRT is also a
goal of the RFI- Next Steps are TBD
Mn/DOT Update on Personal RapidTransit (continued)
Thus far we have noted the following:• Don’t view PRT as being in competition with line-haul bus or LRT
services.• That PRT may be competitive with feeder/shuttle buses in niche
applications.• Don’t see PRT being implemented as a “network” around the city.• That there are issues that need to be addressed when trying to
establish the feasibility of a PRT application, namely: aesthetics, how it fits in the current land form and surrounding land uses, ROW, and how it is going to be funded, among others.
Concept Showing Skyweb Express Vehicles Passing a Station
A Vectus Vehicle on the Test Trackin Uppsala, Sweden
London Heathrow PRT London Heathrow Guideway
QUESTIONS?
MISTER Prototype on Displayin Opole, Poland
Model of the Masdar Vehicle
A JPOD Vehicle Option