VEHICLE DISTRIBUTION IN LARGE PERSONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEMS

Abstract

Point-synchronous control for large personal rapid transit (PRT) systems that offers a possibility of increasing the link capacity for empty vehicles is described. Two different principles for the redistribution of empty vehicles are outlined. Depots for empty vehicles are introduced so that the passenger stations can be kept smaller. The methods were developed and tested on the basis of a simulation model for PRT systems. The model includes facilities for ride sharing and a number of control options. The described methods have been evaluated on tentative PRT networks for Gavle and Gothenburg, Sweden. The Gothenburg network has 654 stations, 4,200 links, and 12,800 vehicles. Simulation results indicate that point-synchronous control performs better than synchronous control, close spacing of empty vehicles can increase link capacity by up to 80%, depots can reduce station sizes to one-third and reduce call time to one-third, and waiting times are the same with or without depots.