PRT trials at Heathrow

[Garyhoov]

I've always been a fan of cool new transportation systems, and there has been talk about a "PRT" system as an option for Disney World for at least that past 10 years.

To my knowledge, this system at Heathrow is the first, real implementation of a system (there have been some small systems at universities, but those were mostly demonstration units . . . I believe this is the first system designed to handle real crowd volumes).

Here's a video. Pretty cool:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rFvoxMTS4Y&feature=player_embedded

[Garyhoov]

Here's a good, comprehensive Wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_rapid_transit

[ogryn]

I've driven past them whilst they were testing. They look pretty cool whizzing around. Business Class passengers only at Heathrow though :(

[Computer Magic]

I've driven past them whilst they were testing. They look pretty cool whizzing around. Business Class passengers only at Heathrow though :(

Cool. I wonder with the ROI is on one of those system.

[TheQueen]

I've driven past them whilst they were testing. They look pretty cool whizzing around. Business Class passengers only at Heathrow though :(

You're so cute. As if they'd EVER allow steerage to get their hands on it. I wonder if it'll be expanded later. That is cool. I've read about this system for quite some time but had NO idea they were going to implement it with a major airport.

[Garyhoov]

Ryan got in late last night so I haven't had a chance to ask him if he saw them when he was there.

Dave, do you know if the business-class limitation is a short term thing until they've increased capacity, or will they always be limited?

[ogryn]

Well as far as I know they only built the tracks between Terminal 5 (British Airways only) and the Business Class car park. I can't imagine it having the capacity to handle everyone.

[Garyhoov]

Ahhh. I'm guessing they figure that's a good trial route. Hopefully it will work well and they'll expand it to include more areas.

[ogryn]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/oct/11/guardianweeklytechnologysection.news1

:)

[Garyhoov]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/oct/11/guardianweeklytechnologysection.news1

:)


:thumbs

I was at Rutgers with Ryan on Saturday and I thought something like this would be perfect for them. Their campus (they actually divide it up and call it several campi) sprawls over several miles and they have bus service running nearly 24 hours so students can get around.