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ULTra Stations

An ULTra station is comprised of one or more berths at which a single vehicle docks, allowing passengers to embark or disembark. Each berth can accommodate up to 400 passengers per hour, meaning that a small station can accommodate large numbers of passengers. Because of the on-demand nature of ULTra, the stations do not need to accommodate large crowds. During peak hours, some accumulation of passengers may occur, but the station (or the surrounding area) need not accommodate more than a dozen standing passengers per berth. No benches are required, as no extended waiting will ever take place.

Stations may be located above ground, at ground level, below ground, or inside buildings. The are located on offline sidings — apart from the main guideway — so that through vehicles may bypass the station. 25-meter on-ramps and off-ramps are required at either end of the station, connecting to the main guideway.

Stations can be enclosed or open-air, but should provide at least a minimal covering above the berth area. Stations should be fully handicapped accessible, and suitable for 24-hour operations. For the purposes of this design competition, stations can be designed inside existing buildings, or as part of new buildings of the designer's choosing. All stations should include no more or less than three berths.

Modular ULTra Station Design Guide

• Station_modular_design.pdf (1.4mb pdf file)

A guide to the design of the ULTra stations; this document lays out all the requisite elements in a station, with detailed accompanying examples taken from the Heathrow application.

3D Design Template

• Download: Station_Guide.skp

The above file, in Sketchup 7 format, provides a reference template for designing your own custom ULTra stations. The model provides components with accurate dimensions for the vehicle berths, and annotations explaining all of the fundamental requirements for an ULTra station.

To view and modify this file, you will need to install Sketchup 7 on your computer. Once the file is open, be sure to click through the pre-formatted slides, to receive an annotated tour of the features of the model.

Sample Designs

A partially underground station, designed with middle-eastern culture and climate in mind.

A simple ground-level station with solar panels on the roof. In a sunny climate, these panels would provide enough energy to operate two vehicles for 24 hours.

A simple one-berth station, from an early Heathrow Airport design.