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ATRA envisions a
future when trans-
portation will all be
orchestrated for the
convenience of people
and their businesses
– as well as for the
benefit of our planet.
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Dubai PRT Watch (October 2005) 
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC),
in United Arab Emirates, is expected to issue in
November a tender for a
contract to design and build a personal rapid
transit (PRT) system within the
complex. Once completed, the
1.2-kilometre-long network will be the first
fully-functioning commercial
application of a PRT system anywhere in the
world.
The PRT concept is based on dozens of small four-six passenger
driverless
vehicles supported by lightweight guideways. The system is
fully
automated, with traffic fully computer-controlled, transporting
passengers
between DIFC buildings. The network will not connect directly with
the
planned Dubai light rail transport (LRT) station at the complex, but
is
likely to be connected to the station by express moving walkways.
Space
has already been left inside the DIFC buildings for the network to
run
through.
The lightweight nature of the vehicles means infrastructure
costs are
reduced as the guideways can carry lighter loads. The vehicles
are
electric and less costly to power and maintain, while the system is
far
quicker than conventional buses.
However, although it has been around
for more than 30 years, PRT
technology is still experimental, and has yet to be
applied commercially
anywhere. Few companies provide PRT technology. They
include the UK's
Advanced Transport Systems (ATS), the US' Taxi 2000 and Frog
Navigation
Systems of the Netherlands. Estimated costs for installation, supply
of
vehicles and maintenance is expected to be upwards of $100
million.
Construction and testing is expected to take at least two years.
France's
Systra is the consultant.
DOCUMENT# 1117
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