The University of Michigan is planning a 6 - station automated people mover when the same job could be better accomplished with a 10 - station automated transit network (ATN) for less cost and with less footprint and visual intrusion. The system is planned to be supplemented with a bus rapid transit system when an ATN system could just be expanded to cover the same service area with no need for transfers. Was ATN seriously considered? I doubt it.
This is a big hurdle for ATN - agencies and consultants just do not know about it and/or do not fully understand its availability and capabilities. Are the significant benefits not worth the small steps needed to mitigate any risks of trying new(ish) technology?
PS: We love you. Please join ATRA/pay your dues/volunteer.
Together we can fix public transportation!
Best regards,
Peter Muller, ATRA President
