PRT Benefits for the Environment

Low Energy Consumption

The reduced size of PRT vehicles (compared to automobiles) lowers the energy needed to move them from place to place. Non-stop service eliminates the energy wasted by stopping and starting. Overall, PRT systems will be much more energy efficient than an automobile.

Additionally, PRT systems will be electrically powered, allowing flexibility in the choice of energy sources. PRT could be powered by high-efficiency gas turbines, fuel cells, hydropower, or photovoltaic solar cells - assuming the technologies mature to an attractive state. A PRT system is not locked into one type of power generation. If better means of producing electricity become available, the system could be converted to it easily.

Low Noise Levels

The vehicles use smooth rubber tires on adjusted, smooth steel running surfaces. Tire noise is very low. The motor will have a humming sound that will be contained within the motor housing, which is then contained within the covered guideway sections. There are no other moving parts to create noise.

Reduced Roadway and Parking Needs

Roadways and parking account for over half of the land used in modern urban areas. A pervasive PRT system, one that offers a real transportation choice to a significant portion of the population, will reduce the need for these land intensive parking and roadway surfaces.

Low Impact Construction

In the event a transportation system MUST be built through environmentally sensitive areas, such as greenbelts, parks, etc, a PRT system will disrupt the natural landscape far less than the roadways needed to provide an equivalent capacity and level of service. An elevated PRT system will allow free movement of animals underneath the guideways, generate no excess runoff from impervious cover, and will not leak fluids into the local ground or surface waters.

Reduced Non-Point Source Emissions

Since the system is electrically powered using linear induction motor technology, there are no fuel tanks to leak or spill when being filled. There are no engine lubricants, transmission fluids, brake fluids, radiator fluids, or differential oils to leak to the groundwater supply.