Heathrow's PRT System On Track For Operation

A personal rapid transit (PRT) system is currently under construction as part of the renovation of London's Heathrow airport. The system is on track to begin operations within two years.

1 minute read

December 19, 2007, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"While these low-energy, driverless pod-shaped vehicles may look like something from sci-fi epic Bladerunner, they are about to become British transport reality."

"In less than two years' time, after the opening of Heathrow's Terminal 5 in March 2008, a network of 18 of these four-seater capsules will be ferrying passengers to and from a business car park to the new terminal building."

"Already under construction, the first phase of the airport's £25m PRT will use 3.8km (2.4 miles) of guideway - designated ground-level or raised path - to move people from car to check-in in just four minutes."

"If the first-ever public test of the technology at Terminal 5 goes well, Heathrow plans to expand its use across the airport."

"But it doesn't stop there. There are already indications that the capsules will be embraced elsewhere in Britain and the world."

FULL STORY: Are driverless pods the future?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 in BBC

Technology Transportation United Kingdom

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