'Automated Guideway Transportation' as a First-Last Mile Solution

John Orr reports that the city of Mountain View is considering an "automated guideway transportation" (AGT) proposal to ease traffic congestion "between North Bayshore and the city’s transit hub at Castro Street and Central Expressway."

"AGT might be part of a 'solution to improve the last-mile connectivity and other mobility challenges,'" according to a recently completed study.

The AGT idea is described as similar to transportation technology already found at airports, and "might be a way around adding road capacity, which 'is neither practical nor preferred to address the increasing traffic congestion that undermines the continued economic growth and vitality of the city,'" according to the study.

"The study, run by Jim Lightbody of the firm Nelson/Nygaard in San Francisco, is looking at several forms of transportation, from self-guided electric buses running on rubber tires to monorail systems and even elevated cable cars," adds Orr.

Orr cites the city’s public works director, Mike Fuller, who says two corridors are under discussion. The "Mountain View Automated Guideway Transportation Feasibility Study" is available online.