• Visual aspects.   Perhaps the most controversial part of PRT for neighborhoods will be the visual impact of the system. The elevated PRT guideways are the most visible part of the system and close attention will be focused on minimizing their appearance where needed.
  
  Compared to other transit options, PRT guideways allow greater flexibility in this regard. PRT guideways can be run through alleyways, in existing road medians, or behind existing tree lines and buildings. The guideway covers can be painted to match the needs of the neighborhood.
  
  See the links page links page for several resources on the visual impacts of PRT guideways.

• Noise Levels  Like light rail, PRT systems are fully electrically powered, which reduces engine noises. Additionally, PRT will run on smooth rubber tires along smooth steel guideway sections. Tire noise will be lower than an automobile, since the tires and the running surfaces are both smooth.
  
  Lack of road crossings eliminates the need for warning horns, bells or whistles. At night it may be difficult to see the vehicles running across the guideway.



• Fumes  PRT uses zero-emission, electrically powered vehicles. There are no diesel or gasoline fumes or odors emitted by the vehicles.



• Safety  Elevated PRT guideways remove the possibility of collisions with automobiles, pedestrians, children, or pets.



• Lighting, etc.  Since the system is computer controlled, there is no need for headlights or area lighting for the non-existent drivers.

The Alternatives

The PRT advantages for neighborhoods must also be compared with the alternatives. In this context the advantages of PRT, especially in light of the high service levels, are substantial.

• Do Nothing  Making no improvements to Austin's transportation infrastructure will result in more traffic through neighborhoods as frustrated commuters search for alternate routes to their destinations. More automobiles bring more air pollution, higher noise levels, and more risks for pedestrians and children in the neighborhood.



• Increased Bus Service  Increased bus service will only be effective if it removes a significant portion of commuters from their automobiles. Additionally, standard busses tend to be noisy and release diesel fumes.



• Roadway Expansion  Expansion of the road network will only offer temporary relief for traffic congestion, will bring more vehicles to the expanded roads, and will require significant amounts of land. Widened roadways will typically have faster speeds and greater safety problems for nearby communities. Wide, fast roads can split neighborhoods, reducing pedestrian access and create noise problems for nearby houses.



• Light Rail  Perhaps the best of the alternatives, light rail requires more land than PRT, uses larger (and noisier) vehicles, and may still work to split a neighborhood by restricting automobile and pedestrian access across the right-of-way.