4.2.2 Main findings

PRT contributes significantly to transport policy and all related policy
objectives. This innovative transport concept allows affordable mobility
for all groups in society and represents opportunities for achieving equity.

The demonstration of the PRT prototype system "ULTRA" at a test site in
Cardiff, four accompanying case studies at different cities and the overall
European assessment indicated high overall benefits. The specific urban
transport problems in particular of new member states, accession and
candidate countries could be alleviated significantly at a lower cost than
any other transport system.

PRT is the personalisation of public transport, the first public transport
system which can really attract car users and which can cover its operating
cost and even capital cost at a wider market penetration. PRT complements
existing public transport networks. PRT is characterised through attractive
transport services and high safety. A first fully operational system is
urgently needed to demonstrate all capabilities and to alleviate some
remaining critical issues. An active role of all key actors from city level
up to the EU level is required to facilitate legislation, regulation and
financial support.

Deliverable D2.D-2.5 Second Annual Thematic Research Summary - Other Modes
Issue 1.0 Page: 8 of 31


4.3.2 Main findings

Oversight of research work identified a number of different approaches to
the use of (semi)automatic vehicles for providing sustainable urban
transportation systems for the future. The wider scale implementation of
these innovations substantially contributes to the reduction of the adverse
impacts of transport on the environment, safety, social cohesion and
economic efficiency.

The scale of innovation ranges from advanced Driver Assistance Systems
(buses, trams and freight vehicles) to fully automatic, clean, driverless
vehicles that can run on guideways, and on street mixed with pedestrians
and possibly other traffic at low speed. Real systems are the Rivium park
shuttle (driverless electric bus), operating like a horizontal lift and the
PHILEAS bus (electric hybrid driveline) running automatically on dedicated
bus lanes or be manually driven on city streets.

Electric driven vehicles are well suited for improving the quality of life
in the urban environment producing extremely low noise only and no exhaust
gases locally. But it must also be integrated in a global context of
mobility to achieve not only environmental objectives, but also objectives
related to transport and territorial planning. Supporting measures are
needed to further shift private to public transport.

An active role of all key actors from city level up to the EU level is
required to facilitate legislation, regulation and financial support for
innovative transport modes especially involving driverless operation.
Dissemination of the solutions and best practises are mandatory for rapid
and manifold applications throughout Europe. Further research is needed to
support complementary technology development and maturation as well as user
acceptance.