August 2021
From the President
Greetings! I have come to understand the public transportation issues in Kigali, Rwanda quite well over the last few years. While there is congestion and the level of bus service is low (long lines and slow speeds), motorcycle taxis (motos) provide quick, convenient (but unsafe and polluting) service if you can afford it. What I am now learning is that the conditions in Kigali are far better than those in many of the other larger cities in Africa.

These cities often have horrendous congestion and very disorganized public transportation - frequently run by private companies and sometimes by organized crime. Passenger safety is more about being robbed than being in an accident. On top of all this the road infrastructure is crumbing and governments cannot afford to repair it. These cities are choking (literally and figuratively) to death for want of good clean transit.

This is an example of where ATN's need for its own infrastructure is an advantage. A new, long-lasting, above-ground infrastructure supporting reliable and affordable mobility service that incorporates intelligent CCTV safety and security monitoring could be a life saver for these cities.

As always, enjoy reading!

Best regards,

Peter Muller, ATRA President
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PRT reopens with new features after more than a year of COVID closure
West Virginia University’s PRT system reopened Monday after over a year of COVID-19 closure and now offers several new features to passengers.

For decades, the PRT has served as the primary form of transportation for students on campus, but for the first time this semester, roughly half of the undergraduate population will have never ridden before.

And while the shutdown of the PRT was an inconvenience for students, Jeremy Evans, director of transportation, said it allowed his department to catch up on routine maintenance and track repairs.

The three concepts unveiled for Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro in full
Some creative designs have been selected as possible solutions for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) that mayor James Palmer hopes to bring to the region

Three options that the Combined Authority leader described as “truly groundbreaking” were unveiled this week.

These futuristic pods could help cities solve their traffic problems
In June, Belarus-based uSky Transport opened a 400-meter test line in Sharjah, which borders Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

From the outside, the electrically powered pods are glossy white while the interiors are designed to feel like a first-class airline suite, including mood lighting, lounge music and floor-to-ceiling windows. With two padded armchairs and two foldable seats, the vehicle being tested can carry up to four passengers.


Note that this system seems more like a ropeway than like ATN. It may be good for quick linear service.
Op-ed: Don’t Squander the Dumbarton Rail Corridor
The Dumbarton Rail Corridor project provides a once in a century opportunity to construct a vital link that would support an expanded and integrated public transportation network throughout the greater Bay Area region, including coordinated heavy rail connections linking the San Joaquin Valley, Tri-Valley, East Bay and the Mid-Peninsula markets. A high-capacity state-of-the-art heavy rail artery along the Dumbarton Rail Corridor (Corridor) is needed to realize this objective.

Pod cars may link Noida airport to new Film City, nearby business centres
GREATER NOIDA: Pod taxis, proposed over the last few years in Gurgaon and explored sporadically by Noida but without any results so far, have once again emerged on the mass transit radar.

India's 1st pod taxi could change how you see mass transit: All you need to know
At 14.5 kilometeres, the route for the pod taxi service will connect the upcoming Jewar airport to the proposed film city in Uttar Pradesh.

BIG! India’s first pod taxi to operate between Jewar Airport and Noida Film City; Get full details here
Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) has prepared a Detailed Project Report or DPR for the pod taxi service between Noida Airport at Jewar and Film City. This is a 14 km stretch. Zee Business’ Sameer Dixit Reports.

Westfield trials autonomous POD vehicle in the Lake District
West Midlands based firm Westfield Technology, best known for its niche sports cars, is trialling an autonomous vehicle in the Lake District in what it’s claiming is a huge breakthrough for driverless travel.

The pod, designed and built in the UK, is currently running at Brockhole Visitor Centre, near Windermere and doesn’t feature a safety steward on board.

America’s “Smart City” didn’t get much smarter
Technical hurdles, bureaucracy, and the pandemic dashed many of Columbus, Ohio's tech plans.

“The cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy could both benefit with improved mobility, reduced carbon emission, and increased community well-being.”
All around us, we can see the electrification of our transportation sector. Whether BART, light-rail transit, Teslas, or electric bikes and scooters, the shift away from fossil fuels is already happening.

In Milpitas, LoopWorks will extend the trend by creating a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system for moving people around the Milpitas Metro/BART/Great Mall area. Think of it as a horizontal climate-controlled elevator that can accommodate up to four riders. Walk into one of the awaiting cabs, select your destination, and go there non-stop. People with bikes, baby buggies or baggage will simply roll them into the PRT cab when entering.

The above links are to articles that appear relevant to advanced transit but no guarantee is made as to their accuracy and no verification of the integrity of the associated websites has been made.

Editorial comments are in italics.
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