Selected Projects
Personal Rapid Transit & Transportation Projects
The selected projects, described below, all relate directly or indirectly, to Personal Rapid Transit (PRT).
Greenville - Spartanburg International Airport ATN Procurement Phase I
Client:
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Greenville- Spartanburg Airport District
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Contact:
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David Edwards Jr A.A.E., President, CEO
Email: DEdwards@gspairport.com
(864) 848-6260
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Project:
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Supplier procurement solicitation documents were prepared including two different ATN layouts, system requirements and specifications and
bid proposals. Proposals were evaluated and site visits undertaken to the two preferred suppliers. A refined ATN/shuttle bus comparison was
prepared based on ATN bid prices and estimated shuttle bus costs.
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Role:
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Subconsultant to WK Dickson responsible for ATN and shuttle bus technology issues.
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Completed:
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Ongoing
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Resort Area PRT Feasibility Study
Client:
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Park City
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Contact:
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Matt Cassel, City Engineer
Email: Matt.Cassel@ParkCity.org
(864) 848-6260
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Project:
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Civil engineering students at the University of Utah were tasked with studying the feasibility of a PRT solution in the Park City/Summit County
resort area. Automobile traffic is rapidly increasing resulting in unacceptable congestion issues. A solution that does not require road widening
is being sought. PRT Consulting was engaged to help teach the students about PRT and guide their work. At the completion of the student work,
PRT consulting adapted their results to provide a corrected conceptual analysis of PRT feasibility.
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Role:
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Prime consultant assisted in 3D modeling by 4Dialog
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Completed:
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2016
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Corporate Campus to Commuter Rail Connection
Client:
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Confidential
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Project:
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The client had a team of consultants investigate different options for utilizing an abandoned rail corridor to connect the corporate campus to a commuter
rail station - a distance of approximately five miles. Modes considered included commuter rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, ATN and aerial ropeway. The
study was complicated by the need to preserve right-of-way for a pedestrian/bike facility as well as for the potential reinstatement of rail service.
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Role:
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Prime consultant for ATN and ropeway with assistance from Engineering Services Group.
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Completed:
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2015
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Greenville - Spartanburg International Airport
Client:
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Greenville- Spartanburg Airport District
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Contact:
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David Edwards Jr A.A.E., President, CEO
Email: DEdwards@gspairport.com
(864) 848-6260
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Project:
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This preliminary personal rapid transit feasibility study involves comparing the feasibility of a PRT solution to a shuttle bus solution for serving remote
surface parking facilities. The work involved developing comparative routes and operations for both systems. Life cycle costs (including supplier input)
were compared and found to be similar. Passenger service levels were found to be significantly improved with PRT. Opportunities for funding/financing
the system were investigated including an evaluation of rates and charges at comparative airports. Recommendations were made for how to proceed
with PRT system implementation.
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Role:
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Prime consultant. Louis Berger Group is a subconsultant
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Completed:
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2015
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Corporate Campus ATN Evaluation
Client:
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Confidential
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Project:
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This project involves investigating automated transit network (ATN - personal and/or group rapid transit) solutions for a large corporate campus needing
to expand, yet already suffering from traffic congestion. The project has included investigating layout and phasing considerations, headway reduction with
advanced control systems, SWOT analysis, guideway structural and cost evaluations, mode preference, enhanced ridesharing strategies and a hierarchical
mode evaluation.
Ground-breaking work undertaken on this project included maximizing the capacity of ATN systems while constrained by the capabilities of existing technology
complying with existing standards. Nine different capacity-enhancing techniques were evaluated and modeled. A combination of the most promising techniques
resulted in the 29-station network depicted below being able to accommodate 13,000 passengers per hour with six-passenger vehicles at three-second headways.
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Role:
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Prime consultant. BergerABAM was a subconsultant
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Completed:
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ongoing
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Personal Rapid Transit Evaluation
Client:
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Greenville County Economic Development Corporation
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Contact:
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G. Fred Payne, Chairman
gfp2kmp@yahoo.com
(864) 884-8899
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Project:
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A previous multimodal transit corridor alternatives feasibility study had found bus rapid transit (BRT) to be the preferred solution for the
corridor in question. Since PRT systems subsequently came into public service, it was decided to update the study to compare a PRT
solution to the BRT solution. The total costs for PRT were found to be similar to those for BRT. However, the shorter walking distances and
wait times involved with the PRT solution were found to attract three to four times as many riders.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2014
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Automated Transit Networks (ATN)
A Review of the State of the Industry and Prospects for the Future
Client:
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Mineta Transportation Institute
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Project:
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The concept of Automated Transit Networks (ATN) - in which fully automated vehicles on exclusive, grade-separated guideways provide on-demand,
primarily non-stop, origin-to-destination service over an area network - has been around since the 1950s. However, only a few systems are in current
operation around the world. ATN does not appear "on the radar" of urban planners, transit professionals, or policy makers when it comes to designing
solutions for current transit problems in urban areas.
This study explains ATN technology, setting it in the larger context of Automated Guideway Transit (AGT); looks at the current status of ATN suppliers,
the status of the ATN industry, and the prospects of a U.S.-based ATN industry; summarizes and organizes proceedings from the seven Podcar City
conferences that have been held since 2006; documents the U.S./Sweden Memorandum of Cooperation on Sustainable Transport; discusses how ATN
could expand the coverage of existing transit systems; explains the opportunities and challenges in planning and funding ATN systems and approaches
for procuring ATN systems; and concludes with a summary of the existing challenges and opportunities for ATN technology. The study is intended to be an
informative tool for planners, urban designers, and those involved in public policy, especially for urban transit, to provide a reference for history and
background on ATN, and to use for policy development and research.
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Role:
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Co-Author
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Completed:
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2014
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Corporate Campus to Commuter Rail Connection
Client:
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Confidential
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Project:
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This project involved an investigation into the ability of four different modes of transportation (three automated) to adequately connect a rapidly-growing
corporate campus to a commuter rail service. The primary focus was the ability of each mode to deal with a surge of passengers arriving at one time. Some
modes were unable to meet the demand and were re-evaluated in a situation where two stations were connected to the campus instead of just one.
The modes evaluated were personal rapid transit (PRT), group rapid transit (GRT), automated bus, and articulated commuter bus. The first three modes use
relatively small vehicles, are fully automated and operate on exclusive guideways. The commuter bus operates on city streets. Automated people movers
and 35-passenger buses were briefly examined but quickly eliminated from detailed consideration.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2013
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ATN Technology Assessment
Client:
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Rapidly Growing Chinese Community
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Project:
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T.Y. Lin was charged with assessing light rail, bus rapid transit and automated transit networks
(ATN - personal and/or group rapid transit) for a 16 km corridor in China. The anticipated demand
was for 10,000 passengers per hour per direction. The assessment considered ATN characteristics,
demand/capacity, preliminary alignments, level of service, economic impacts/advantages, flexibility
for expansion, interconnectivity, estimated costs, new energy and materials as well as environmental
and construction impacts.
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Role:
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Subconsultant to T.Y. Lin International Engineering Consulting (China) Co. Ltd. responsible for all PRT/GRT aspects
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Completed:
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2012
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PRT/GRT Alternative to Pedestrian Bridge
Client:
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Otay-TJ Venture, LLC
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Project:
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The client was investigating the feasibility of a 600' long, fully-enclosed, pedestrian bridge, including moving sidewalks, crossing a highway and connecting two large
buildings. The bridge would tie into the first floors of the buildings and extensive vertical circulation systems (elevators, escalators and stairs) would be required.
PRT Consulting was requested to investigate the feasibility of replacing the bridge with PRT or GRT (group rapid transit). Two alternative alignments were investigated.
The first matched the bridge concept and included about 750' of two-way guideway with stations at the first floor level of the buildings. The second had about 1,400' of
two-way guideway. The extra guideway length was utilized to slope down to stations at ground level, thus obviating the need for additional vertical circulation facilities.
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Role:
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Subconsultant to Stantec Architecture Inc. responsible for PRT/GRT alternative
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Completed:
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2011
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PRT Market Assessment
Client:
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
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Project:
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The client required an assessment of the global PRT market with an emphasis on airport opportunities. PRT assessed the PRT concept for its applicability to
both the urban and airport markets worldwide. The historic, current and future markets were assessed by segment, barriers to entry were determined and an
overview of existing suppliers was provided. A review of critical providers/partners for PRT implementation was undertaken. An airport-focused assessment of
opportunities included analyses of numerous specific airport situations. A workshop meeting was held to educate Toffler Associates on PRT characteristics and present
the results of the assessment.
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Role:
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Subconsultant to Toffler Associates responsible for preliminary PRT market assessment.
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Completed:
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2011
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Army Post Personal Rapid Transit Feasibility Study II
Client:
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Fort Carson Army Post (through Natural Capitalism Solutions Inc.)
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Contact:
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Christopher Juniper, Natural Capitalism Solutions Inc.
(720) 278-1763
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Project:
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This study involved investigating options for extending the PRT system off-Post into the surrounding communities. Financing and funding mechanisms
were investigated. An analysis of the cradle-to-grave sustainability of PRT compared to other modes was undertaken. The likelihood of driverless cars
reducing congestion in the near term was investigated.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2011
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Automated Small Vehicle Transport Study
Client:
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Kansas Department of Transportation (through KSU)
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Contact:
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Stanley E. Young, P.E., Ph.D.
Center for Advanced Transportation Technology.
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Project:
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Investigated the feasibility of PRT to link retail businesses, speedway, ballpark, casino, water park, and transit and to improve accessibility while reducing parking requirements.
The PRT system was designed to accommodate 5 million annual passengers and had ten miles of guideway and 26 stations. The project included literature review, conceptual design,
ridership estimates, PRT simulations, code compliance, ownership and financing, as well as benefit/cost evaluation.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2010
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Airport Master Plan Personal Rapid Transit Analysis
Client:
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Maryland Aviation Administration
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Contact:
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Wayne B. Schuster, Director, Office of Planning and Environmental Services
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Project:
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PRT Consulting undertook an analysis of a PRT alternative serving the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The work included an overview of the leading PRT systems,
their availability and suitability to provide the necessary service levels. A four-phased PRT system was identified, analyzed and evaluated to meet existing and projected airport needs. A preliminary
evaluation was undertaken of the ability of one PRT system to serve both secure and non-secure portions of the airport. The total system included 3.6 miles of dual-lane guideway, 7.7 miles of
single-lane guideway, 37 stations and the ability to accommodate approximately 60,000 daily passengers. As part of the airport's master planning process, the PRT system was compared to
both the existing shuttle bus system and a proposed conventional automated people mover system
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Role:
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Subconsultant to URS Corporation responsible for all PRT-related aspects
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Completed:
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2010
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Army Post Personal Rapid Transit Feasibility Study
Client:
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Fort Carson Army Post (through Natural Capitalism Solutions Inc.)
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Contact:
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Christopher Juniper, Natural Capitalism Solutions Inc.
(720) 278-1763
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Project:
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PRT feasibility study including stakeholder and public participation, alignment and station location alternatives analysis, trip demand matrices, simulations,
benefit/cost analyses and financial modeling. The PRT system was designed for 19.5 million annual passengers and had 23 miles of guideway, 35 stations
and 800 T-Pods.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2009
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Personal Rapid Transit Operational Testing
Client:
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PRT Vendor (confidential)
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Contact:
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Confidential
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Project:
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Constructed an at-grade track with a short segment of elevated track. Utilizing a small automobile, conducted operational testing under differing conditions. This phased project
was completed over two winters and involved natural and manufactured precipitation events including snow and freezing rain. In addition to determining dynamic friction values, the
project explored means and methods for mitigating the effects of adverse weather.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2008
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Personal Rapid Transit Vendor Comparison Study
Client:
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Confidential
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Contact:
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Confidential
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Project:
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Analysis of the business and technical capabilities of four PRT vendors. The project was based on publicly-available information and examined the
strengths and weaknesses of 2getthere, Vectus, Skyweb express and Ultra.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2008
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Conceptual Personal Rapid Transit Feasibility Analysis
Client:
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Large US Airport (confidential)
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Contact:
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Confidential
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Project:
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Conceptual-level feasibility analysis of a PRT system linking two long-term parking lots to an airport terminal. The project established
preliminary guideway routing and station locations. Capital and operating costs were determined and compared to those of the existing
shuttle bus system.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2007
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Personal Rapid Transit Safety and Security Research
Client:
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Kansas Department of Transportation (through KSU)
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Contact:
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Stanley E. Young, P.E., Ph.D.
Center for Advanced Transportation Technology
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Project:
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Safety and security research of an automated small vehicle transportation system on a university campus. This project examined the threats
and vulnerabilities related to PRT safety and security, as well as means and methods for their mitigation. Overall PRT safety and security was
evaluated in comparison with conventional modes of transportation.
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Role:
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Prime consultant.
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Completed:
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2006
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Airport Security Research
Client:
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Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority, Englewood, Colorado
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Contact:
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Dr. Robert Olislagers, Executive Director
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Project:
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TSA funded general aviation security research, covering automated video scene analysis, coupled with web-based semi-automated response management.
This $1M project included industry giants such as Unysis and Northrop Grumman
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Role:
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Project management. PRT Consulting was a subconsultant to Olsson Associates, the firm Peter Muller was working for when he was appointed project manager for this project.
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Completed:
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2005
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Reimbursed/Award-Winning Speaking Engagements
Conference:
The Future of Advanced Smart Transit, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Keynote Speaker)
Conference:
Podcar City 8, Sweden
Contact:
Stan Young (301) 403-4593
Conference:
3rd International Conference on Urban Public Transportation Systems, Paris
Contact:
Dr. Stan Young (301) 403-4593
Conference:
ModuTram Test Track Inauguration, Guadalajara, Mexico
Contact:
Kyllmann (33) 3200-3725
Conference:
APM-09 The 12th International Conference on Automated People Movers
Conference:
ITS Heartland 8th Annual Meeting
Conference:
Sixth Fort Carson Community Sustainable Conference and Expo
Contact:
Christopher Juniper
Conference:
APM-05 The 10th International Conference on Automated People Movers