Dear Visitor, there was a suggestion at the recent Podcar City Workshop that we only support "superior" podcars. These were defined as those that are suspended from, and not supported by, the guideway. I believe they are superior, but to divide the industry at this early stage is premature in my opinion.
No suspended ATN system has been proven in public service. No system of any type has been proven capable of serving more than 5 stations. Optimal vehicle size has not been proven - does it change as the number of stations changes? Does the service become more train- or bus-like as the vehicles' size gets larger? Are rubber tires on pavement likely to result in lower speeds and capacities? Are there solutions to these problems?
Right now we should design the technology based on operational experience and detailed analyses including full system simulations. Operational experience will help us learn how best to design the vehicles and control systems and layout the guideways and stations. Simulations will help us understand what layouts will work as the number of stations and passengers grow. Now is not the time to make those decisions for others.
PS: We love you. Please join ATRA/pay your dues/volunteer.
Together we can fix public transportation!
Best regards,
Peter Muller, ATRA President
