Planning Criteria for Automated People Movers: Defining the Issues

Abstract

In light of projected population growth and losses of open land, there is a need for new kinds of compact development that is both environmentally attractive and uncongested. Requirements to meet this objective are outlined, including traffic restraints and efficient, environmentally compatible transit links to parking facilities and regional transportation networks. Efficiently linking compact, mixed-use development with a strong residential component to regional networks holds the best potential for increased transit use. Service benefits of automated people movers (APMs) that make them ideally suited for this purpose are listed—including around-the-clock availability, small scale, and quiet operation. Basic generic types of APMs are outlined, together with their practical route lengths, station spacing, and capacities. Relevant factors for helping to control, and even dramatically reduce, installation costs are clarified for planners; the graphs and formulas contained in this article can be used as tools in more cost-effective predesign. Fundamental APM performance criteria are distinguished from unnecessarily elaborate concepts. Current cost-reducing innovations in APM technologies are also considered.