What is PRT?

It is the most energy efficient urban mass transit system that has been devised so far. PRT consists of small, light-weight vehicles that hold anywhere from two to six passengers.

The vehicles run on elevated or ground level guideways under computer control. PRT vehicles are electric cars that are extremely quiet and run either on batteries or they take power from electric contacts on the guideway. PRT systems do not use schedules; service is demand responsive, rather than on fixed schedules and is available 24 hours a day and it takes you from your origination to your destination with no stops in between.

Why PRT?

Energy efficient

Lightweight Electric Vehicles

Sustainable Energy Solution

Highly efficient travel

• Point to point – non-stop travel
• No schedules or fixed routes, vehicles run on your schedule
• Vehicles wait for passengers, passengers don’t wait for vehicles
• Traffic is computer controlled, no possibility of traffic jams

Affordable infrastructure

• Lightweight modular components, simple and fast construction
• Minimal street level impact, elevated installation will not conflict with or destroy existing roadways

Private vehicles offer comfortable and desirable travel experience

• Little or no waiting
• Riders will never be forced to share a vehicle with anyone if they don’t desire
• No stops to let others on, the vehicle is yours for the duration of the trip

Safe

• Segregated from all other urban traffic
• Flow segregation, no opportunity for head-ons
• Constant flow with off-line access/egress with no stop/starts and no traffic pile-ups. PRT won’t have rear-ends

Quiet operation

• Lightweight, electric vehicles
• No noise pollution regardless of traffic density

Can also be used to automate transport of cargo, mail and waste

Capital costs are low compared to other forms of mass transit (2007 PRT NJ Study)

Examples:

• Average capital cost per mile heavy rail $175-$250 M
• Average capital cost per mile light rail $50-$70 M
• Average capital cost per mile PRT $20-$35 M
• Average capital cost per mile BRT Busway $14-$25 M

Reduces auto congestion

• Supports the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) 25 year Transportation Plan by offering a transportation alternative that would reduce congestion on existing streets/highway