High Average Speed with Low Maximum Speed |
| Concern: | The slow speed of PRT (relative to the automobile) will make trips too slow. |
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| Reply: | While the 30 MPH average speed of PRT doesn't sound very fast, it approximates, or even exceeds the average speed of many automobile trips in congested areas. How? Though a car can go 80 MPH or more, in congested traffic it is typically held to far lower speeds. In traffic jam conditions, it may average 5 mph. The car has to stop for stop lights and signs, slow down for road construction, and negotiate smaller streets with lower speed limits, traffic calmers, and other obstacles. All of these reduce the average speed of a vehicle trip.
All of these problems are avoided by the elevated PRT system. There are no intermediate stops so the vehicle maintains a steady pace to its destination. While the automobile sits in traffic, the PRT vehicle continues toward it's destination. Try this experiment on your next commute to work: use your vehicle's trip odometer to record the travel distance and note the time elapsed during your trip. Then calculate your AVERAGE speed in miles per hour using the formula: Unless you are lucky enough to live and work along a uncongested, high speed artery or commute in non-peak hours, you may be surprised at just how slow your 'fast' automobile actually goes! |
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PRT Skeptic's Pages Here we attempt to address issues brought to us by PRT skeptics in a question and answer format. If you have a concern that you think should be addressed, send us an email at Info@ACPRT.org or fill out the Skeptic's Question form and we will do our best to answer it. Be sure to check back every once in a while as we will be adding items from time to time. |