Economic and environmental aspects of personal rapid transit-A further study

A parametric study of system variables of Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) networks is presented. The analysis examines the effect that the detour penalty associated with one-way networks has on system ridership. A preliminary estimate of the potential PRT ridership from kiss-and-ride access is given. The analysis further considers modal split, reduced-auto emissions, cost per mile, benefit-cost ratio, electrical-power requirements as dependent variables. Independent variables are population density, trip length, PRT operating and fixed costs, mesh spacing, auto speed, perceived-auto-mileage cost, parking cost, PRT speed and fare. Particular attention is paid to the effects that parking cost, auto speed, perceived-auto-mileage cost and trip length have on the dependent variables.