Resource efficiency
Resource usage is considerably lower for the ULTra system than for alternative transit modes, due to the innovative design of the ULTra system which combines a lightweight guideway with a highly manoeuvrable vehicle to allow great flexibility in both infrastructure design and positioning.
Infrastructure costs and resource usage are down by a factor of between six and ten compared either to roads or motorways, or to conventional light rail / APM systems, and the photo below shows the huge difference in infrastructure requirements between the roadway serving Heathrow's Terminal 5 and the ULTra system.
An ULTra vehicle on the elevated guideway at Heathrow airport's Terminal 5.
The flexibility afforded by the lightweight and compact vehicle enables ULTra to operate below-grade (e.g. via cut-and-cover tunnelling), at-grade, or above-grade (elevated), and the quiet, emission-free nature of the electric propulsion allows routes to be run internally through buildings if desired. A low loading footprint means that the system can be carried by conventional building structure with no need for structural strengthening.
Videos
3-minute introduction to ULTra Personal Rapid Transit
ULTra PRT at Heathrow (BAA Animation)