August 2024

From the President

Dear Peter, 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

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EDITORIAL

Flyer for BART - Caltrain Connection: Another Way?

NEWS

BART-Caltrain Connection: Another Way?

A public conversation - BART-Caltrain Connection: Another Way? - will be on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm in the Milpitas Library Auditorium at 160 N Main Street.

AACIDs and APRTS Announce Exciting New Transit Initiative for South Metro Atlanta

City of College Park, GA — The ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs) are thrilled to announce the selection of Atlanta Personal Rapid Transit Solutions (APRTS) as the preferred proponent for the Automated Transit Network (ATN) Demonstration Pilot project. “This project has immense potential to revolutionize future mobility options in the airport area.” stated Steve Berman, Airport South Board Chair. APRTS is a partnership between ACS Infrastructure as the Developer, Flatiron Construction as the contractor, ICE Engineering as the designer, and Glydways as the technology provider with a priority to include Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation. APRTS will implement Glydways’ industry leading personal rapid transit (PRT) system for this innovative project.

Elevated transit route connecting University of Michigan campuses moving forward

ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan is seeking partners to move forward on an automated and elevated transit system spanning more than three miles to connect multiple Ann Arbor campuses.

Can you imagine the difference in footprint and visual intrusion if this was ATN, not APM!

Beechurst Personal Rapid Transit Station (PRT)

The PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) is a quick and easy way to access the three areas of campus. With five total stations, this unique monorail system makes transportation convenient (and fun). People without student ID cards pay just 50 cents to ride. These self-driving cars are run by computers and technicians from a central hub and operate Monday through Saturday. The PRT first began passenger service in 1975 and can travel up to 30 mph. Approximately 15,000 people ride the PRT during the school year every day, but each individual car can accommodate 8 seated passengers and about 20 total passengers. The Beechurst Station services the Downtown Area of Campus academic buildings.

The Future of Public Transportation: Automated Transit Network | Advanced Mobility Group

In collaboration with Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), Tri Delta Transit and East Contra Costa cities, Advanced Mobility Group (AMG) is assisting Glydways with the implementation of a temporary, low-impact, and demonstration project at GoMentum Station, in Concord, CA. The demonstration will validate Glydways’ proprietary, scalable Automated Transportation Network (ATN)-based transportation solution. Glydways technology is a closed grade, autonomous electric, mass micro transit solution with a virtual rail and tires on a fixed pathway, that offers private rides that are on demand, safe and non-stop.

Glydways founder says access to mobility changes lives for the better

Imagine zipping to work in your own private rolling pod while drinking coffee, working on your laptop or just relaxing. Mark Seeger, the founder of the San Francisco-based company Glydways, imagined it too and he and his team are well on their way to making such travel a reality.

Reasoned debate about personal rapid transit: private cars

I'd like to start some calm, reasoned debate about personal rapid transit. I'm a big PRT advocate, but I recognize that there are issues. The problem is that discussions about PRT tend to devolve into names calling ("pod people") and dismissive phrases ("gadgetbahn").

The above links are to articles that appear relevant to advanced transit but no guarantee is made as to their accuracy and no verification of the integrity of the associated websites has been made.

Editorial comments are in italics.

| Advanced Transit Association| 303-800-1529 | www.advancedtransit.org

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