Heavy snowfall and record-breaking cold temperatures have swept across the UK, affecting transportation services everywhere. With ULTra, the routine movement of vehicles is usually sufficient to keep the guideway clear of snow and ice. However, when that is not enough, a special snow and ice removal vehicle can be deployed. The recent weather conditions have given ULTra the opportunity to demonstrate the advantages this vehicle brings in keeping the system operational.

This vehicle traverses the guideway automatically, applying a de-icing spray. We have the chance to rehearse our contingency plans to prove our snow and ice management as a consequence we are able to operate unimpeded even in weather like this. As an airport comes back into full operation we are able to continue to operate a high quality service.

For PRT locations with frequent snow and bad weather, the ULTra all-weather fiberglass open grid guideway is recommended. The open grid guideway lets rain and snow pass through without requiring gutters. This guideway also robustly handles ice events: A) It is difficult for ice to form and attach to the pebbly fiberglass surface. B) Movement of vehicles on the guideway acts to flake off any ice that sticks. Traction is maintained in wet conditions.