Heathrow T5 transit system takes shape
[October 10th 2008]
The guideways linking Heathrow Terminal 5 with the Business airport car park have been completed and the new Personal Rapid Transit system at the airport is set for launch in autumn 2009.
A fleet of 18 battery powered, driverless cars will transport passengers around Heathrow airport in the first commercial Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system in the world. The cars can carry up to four passengers and their luggage.
“The Guideway construction phase of this exciting programme has been completed to plan, fit out will now start of the stations and track and we have now begun extensive testing of the PRT vehicles and systems," says Heathrow airport PRT project manager, David Holdcroft. BAA and Laing O'Rourke worked on the construction phase of the project.
“PRT offers a completely new form of public transport – one that will deliver a fast, efficient service to passengers and bring considerable environmental benefits, saving more than half of the energy used by existing forms of public or private transport. Not only that, it’s a world first and we are very much looking forward to launching this to passengers in 2009,” continues Holdcroft.
UK based Advanced Transport Systems developed the driverless cars. "ULTra is a sustainable taxi that waits for you and drives itself where you tell it to go. Conceived as the ideal form of urban transport for the new century, we are pleased and excited to be working with BAA to implement the first commercial PRT System at Heathrow,” says Advanced Transport Systems chief executive, Graham Bradburn.
The PRT system is said to generate zero local emissions and is typically 50% more efficient than traditional buses. The size of the cars - about 6 feet tall and 4.5 feet wide - means they can get closer to terminal entrances than conventional train type people movers. Heathrow's PRT system is expected to bring significant environmental improvements and reduce congestion on airport roads.
Written by: Nick Purdom
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