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