Infrastructure
Guideway under construction at Heathrow. The project entered operational testing on the 7th July 2009, with the 'Topping-out' ceremony signifying the completion of the construction phase.
The innovative design of the ULTra system combines a lightweight guideway with a highly manoeuvrable vehicle to allow great flexibility in both infrastructure design and positioning. ULTra can 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.
These features allow the ULTra stations to be positioned in optimum locations, allowing the system to be fully and effectively integrated into the area it will serve.
Videos
The ULTra passenger experience
ULTra PRT at Heathrow (BAA Animation)