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ULTra Personal Rapid Transit System

Network Design Primer

Example ULTra network, taken from the Cardiff Study

Unlike mass rail-transit, which requires linear routes with a limited number of intermediate stops, ULTra networks can be complex, multi-directional webs. The vehicles route themselves through the network, bypassing all intermediate stations until they reach their final destination. In this way, ULTra networks can create a higher service density than mass transit, without compromising the overall system speed or throughput.

ULTra thus offers a complementary service to the high-speed rail and bus links used for long-distance journeys; it is not a replacement for buses or trains, but is intended to bring high-quality public transport into environments which buses or trains cannot easily access.

A high speed rail line (thick black line) can better serve the area around one of its stations (central dot) with the addition of a collector/distributor PRT system (network of smaller lines and dots). This solves, for example, the problem of how you get to your house from the railway station, or from the railway station to your place of work. This is one of the many ways in which ULTra can enhance other forms of public transport.

In existing developments ULTra can provide an effective "last-mile solution" (e.g. as "local circulator" systems, and as "collector/distributor" systems), to enhance the ridership and quality of all forms of public transit. In substantial new developments such as business parks or new cities, a fully integrated ULTra system offers not only a premium transport service, but also significant cost savings from a more efficient use of space.

The first step in desinging an ULTra network is to create a simulation which verifies that its performance meets local requirements. ULTra has developed a suite of advanced in-house simulation tools for this purpose, and also offers a simple network design and simulation tool which is freely available to the public.