prts

PRTs, or Personal Rapid Transit, are automated, on-demand passenger systems that use small driverless pods on a network of guideways to move individuals or small groups directly between origins and destinations. Unlike buses or rail, PRTs aim to minimize walking and intermediate stops by routing pods directly to passenger locations.

Pods are autonomous, usually electric, with capacities of two to a few passengers, operating on fixed guideways that are separated from conventional traffic. Stations are simple, and a central control system coordinates routing and safety, using sensors and communications to prevent collisions and optimize throughput.

In operation, a user requests a ride at a boarding point, inputs a destination, and the system dispatches a pod that travels through switches and intersections to reach the chosen station. The network can combine trips and re-route pods as demand changes, with the goal of short waits and direct travel.

Since the late 20th century, several prototypes and pilots have been built, notably the ULTra PRT at London Heathrow Airport, opened in 2011. Other demonstrations have occurred on campuses and in planned communities, but large-scale urban deployment remains limited.

Proponents argue that PRTs can reduce congestion, land use, and energy consumption by providing efficient, on-demand mobility at a small scale. Critics point to high capital costs, infrastructure complexity, safety concerns, and questions about scalability and reliability in dense urban environments.

Today PRTs are mainly used in controlled environments and pilot projects rather than as complete replacements for conventional city-wide transit networks.