Advantages of Personal Rapid Transit
Sustainability. PRT systems use about a third the energy per passenger mile of other transportation
systems (U.S. DOT, various PRT vendors). In addition, since they are all powered by electricity, the system
sustainability can be readily upgraded by upgrading the sustainability of the power source.
Cost less to build and operate. The PRT cost would be more than offset by the cost of roads, parking
and garages no longer required. The reduction in auto accidents and crime would reduce response costs.
PRT’s infrastructure carries light loads and previous examples have been cost-effective to maintain.
Low crime rate. Just eliminating getaway cars should reduce robberies. Kidnapping would become
very difficult with all T-Pods under continuous CCTV monitoring.
Improved health. Health improvements should result from the elimination of local auto emissions. In
addition, the entire outdoors will be a safe environment for walking, biking and playing.
Improved wealth. Good transit access results in commercial land premiums ranging from -4% to 103%
and residential housing value premiums ranging from 20% to 45% “(TCRP Report 128). Households that can eliminate a car will
save $7,086 to $11,473 annually (American Automobile Association).
Improved safety. The Morgantown PRT system has completed over 140 million injury-free passenger
miles (Morgantown PRT). According to Muller, Morgantown is about a hundred times safer than conventional transit.