Applications in Urban Areas

 

Short – High Density Corridors. The high capacity of an aerial people mover makes them attractive where an existing high frequency bus system moves a large number of passengers along a one to three mile corridor. An example in a metropolitan area would be an off shoot from a commuter rail terminal where commuters may need to be distributed along a corridor to high occupancy office buildings.

 

Travel Over Obstacles: Aerial systems can carry passengers above obstacles without the need for expensive structures. The systems can span rivers, bays, valleys, parks, highways, low buildings, wetlands, flood plains and rail yards where it would be cost prohibitive to build rigid structures. By design the only land disturbance along the alignment is at the towers; this allows areas under the system to continue being used as they have in the past. The system is also applicable where steep terrain prevents direct access between high volume nodes.

 

Underdeveloped / Isolated Property: Urban redevelopment may involve large tracts of underdeveloped land near the urban core that is isolated from the existing transportation network. An aerial system may provide a connection into the existing transportation system or commercial core. This link could encourage urban rejuvenation with high density housing near the urban core.

 

University Campus: Large university campuses have student population that often demand a high volume, short headway transportation systems for relatively short distances. Aerial systems may be applicable for transport between large campus housing complexes that are located over a mile from the classroom areas or to transport day students from off campus parking lots to the main campus.

 

Discrete Destinations: Aerial systems are appropriate in situations where there is the need for high volume transportation between high activity areas. High activities areas may include large business centers, shopping malls, convention complexes, performing arts centers and tourist attractions. If an alignment is available that simultaneously serves several of these areas, the utilization of the system could be maximized.