1Viability of Personal Rapid Transit in New Jersey StudyNJ Department of TransportationSenior Staff Briefing11-XX-052Viability of PRT in New JerseyAgendaBackground and Study Elements PRT Technology Overview and FeaturesPRT History and Vendor StatusCost and Performance ComparisonsPotential Applications in New JerseyNext Steps for New Jersey23Viability of PRT in New JerseyBackgroundNew Jersey Senate Bill # 341, Assembly Bill #2031 Passed 10/18/04 Directs Department of Transportation, in consultation with NJ TRANSIT toConduct a study of Personal Rapid TransitAssess the viability of integrating PRT into New Jersey’s existing intermodal transportation systemReport shall include:Description of PRT technology and providersComparison of cost, performance and impacts of PRT with other transportation modesEvaluate potential to reduce congestion in New Jersey including qualitative case study analysisRecommendations for advancing PRT in New Jersey if deemed appropriate by decision makers4Viability of PRT in New JerseyStudy ElementsTask 1 – Review literature and document current status of PRTSynthesize and catalog national/international literature Survey and interview industry expertsSurvey and interview leading PRT developersConduct technology assessmentTask 2 - Conduct qualitative case study analyses of potential PRT applications in New JerseyDevelop a framework to compare PRT to other modesSelect and prepare two qualitative case study evaluations of potential PRT implementation in NJTask 3 - Develop recommendations to guide decision makers regarding possible implementation of PRT in New Jersey35Viability of PRT in New JerseyTechnology Overview – What is PRT?Fundamental elements of PRT technology:On-demand, origin-to-destination serviceSmall, automated vehiclesSmall, exclusive use guidewaysOff-line stationsNetwork of connected guidewaysCombines elements of automotive, computer, network and transit designUses current state of the art in control, communication and propulsion technologyTechnology enablers:Linear electric motorsOn-board switching and guidanceHigh speed controls and communications6Viability of PRT in New JerseyPRT VideosTaxi 2000UltraCabintaxiPRT Videos and Simulations47Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT – OverviewConcept originally developed in the 1950’sSubject of world-wide development in the 1970’sMultiple prototype systems developed under Federal Government funding in the 1970’sFour Major International PRT Conferences1972, 1973, 1975, 1996One “semi”-PRT system in operation at Morgantown, WVMultiple studies conducted around the world on the merits and implementation of PRTNo fully-developed system availableMultiple development programs still underwayRecent procurements in London and Dubai8Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT – Early Development (1970’s)Jet Rail - USACabtrack – EnglandCVS – JapanAramis –FranceKrauss Maffei – GermanyAlden – USADashaveyor – USAAirtrans –USAOtis TTI –USAUniflo - USA59Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT - Aerospace Corporation (1968-1976)Conducted large PRT development program between 1968 – 1976Developed operational, economic and technology theories, programs, and modelsDesigned and constructed prototype system demonstrating the use of advanced switching, small vehicles, small guideways and short headwaysResulted in the publication of an advanced concepts textbookTerminated program due to lack of federal funding10Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT - Morgantown GRT System (1972 – present)Project funded with Federal Funds with short schedule and limited R&DSystem designed and built by Boeing:Uses larger group vehicles requiring large guideway with a large physical footprint Very expensive to construct and maintain because it involves custom componentsSystem has been in continuous operation since 1972 Demonstrates the successful use of several PRT concepts, including: off-line stations and automatic control systems with a high level ofreliability and low operating costs611Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT - Raytheon/Chicago RTA Program (1990’s)Program funded through $50M public/private partnership Initial designs included small vehicle and guideway but evolved to include a larger vehicle and guidewayTest track demonstrated the successful use of full automatic control and off-line stationsProgram cancelled in 1999 due to changes in political leadership and non-competitive system features:Large vehicles and guideways resulted in high capital costs, greater visual impact, with only moderate performanceProgram failed to learn from critical design lessons learned as part of past efforts12Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT – Implementation and Evaluation StudiesPRT technology has been extensively reviewed:1975 Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) Review2003 ATRA StudyMajor PRT applications have been studied including:1974 - Denver1980 - Indianapolis1995 - Chicago Rosemount1997 - Seattle Seatac1998 - Sweden 2001 - Cincinnati2002 – Korea2003 – European EDICTPRT often identified as a preferred or desirable mode but not selected because the technology has not been sufficiently tested in a “real world” operating environment713Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT – Results from Past StudiesSeattle SeaTac MIS StudyActivity center circulation and connector to airport and regional railSignificant local support for system and technology9% reduction in overall surface traffic in study areaStudy recommended to establish public/private partnership for DBOM when technology is availableCincinnati Central Area LoopDowntown circulator and cross-river connector3-5 times increased in ridership of alternative modesProject 17,000-32,000 trips/daySignificant support of PRT by business and developer communityDisagreement of vendor and consultant over costs and servicePRT desired but rejected due to lack of existing prototypeIndianapolis Downtown study33% projected mode share for area-wide systemProject halted due to lack of technology and political supportCurrent study underway at Indianapolis UniversityMinneapolis Downtown Study8% projected mode share and 73,000 trips/day14Viability of PRT in New JerseyHistory of PRT – Results from Past StudiesEDICT – Sweden Kungens KurvaLarge shopping area seeking to reduce congestion, improve travel time and connect with regional railPRT network selected with 12 km of guideway and 12 stations26% reduction in