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Personal Rapid Transit (PRT). Model of the London Vehicle “What we know about PRT Regionally, Statewide, Nationally, & in the UK” by Mukhtar “ Mook -tar” Thakur Director, Multi-Modal Innovation Office at Mn /DOT - ACEC Annual Conference March, 2010. In the Metro Region.
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Model of the London Vehicle “What we know about PRT Regionally, Statewide, Nationally, & in the UK” by Mukhtar “Mook-tar” Thakur Director, Multi-Modal Innovation Office at 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
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 Proposal Peter Calthorpe of Calthorpe Associates -
Nationally (New Jersey continued) New Jersey State Had a Legislative Study Performed February 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 Viable Report 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 delayed at least twice, now stated to 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.) Stop at London Park and Ride • For typical 1 mile journey approximately 3 minutes. • Expected to be very reliable. Stop at London Park and Ride • Pods run either at ground level or elevated guideways supported by lightweight steel structures.
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