An Invitation to a New Transportation Mode

Folsom, Tyler C.

doi:10.2316/p.2011.743-022

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…The prevailing assumption is that it will provide incremental improvements to existing transportation modes. In a companion paper, I argue that an entirely new mode of urban transportation is possible that is neither car nor bus nor motorcycle [4]. There are many other designs that can accomplish similar objectives.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Leave the Driving to It

Hayes¹

2011

Amer. Scientist

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Abstract-Autonomous vehicle technology may arrive much sooner than most people expect and it has profound implications for transportation. The technology facilitates a rail-less personal rapid transit (PRT) system using both public and private vehicles. Road traffic fatalities and injuries may decline by one to two orders of magnitude. A PRT system can provide mobility to the blind, elders suffering from dementia, children and the intoxicated. The system can make use of existing infrastructure, reduce urban sprawl and ease congestion. Autonomous vehicle based systems can improve fuel efficiency. The technology presents a window of opportunity for a new mode of transportation that obtains efficiencies of up to 0.25 l/100 km (1000 mpg equivalent), reducing U.S. petroleum consumption by up to 16%. The U.S. carbon savings could reach the equivalent of 12 trains of 100 coal cars daily.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%