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We are pleased to welcome DROMOS, the latest entrant into the Automated Transit Network (ATN) family. Notably, DROMOS refers to itself as "Autonomous Network Transit," positioning itself as a 21st-century solution for smart cities. While their branding may differ, their technology appears to align closely with traditional ATN systems. However, their visual materials suggest a design that separates vehicles from mixed traffic but may not fully protect against pedestrian intrusion.
Similarities with Existing Systems
DROMOS shares several characteristics with Glydways, including vehicle size and appearance. Their operational procedures also bear resemblance, with vehicles departing from stations and traveling on a lane adjacent to the main through line without physical separation. This setup implies two continuous lanes in each direction, differing from conventional ATN systems, which typically feature a single lane per direction. Both DROMOS and Glydways utilize rubber tires on pavement, which may limit speed, capacity, and all-weather reliability. Additionally, they focus on two-way guideways rather than one-way loops.
A Different Layout Strategy
Most current ATN deployments, excluding Masdar City and Nantong, employ two-way guideways, often due to the initial scale of connecting a few stations. Historically, larger systems have been more efficiently designed using interconnected one-way loops with single guideways. However, DROMOS and Glydways seem to be shifting towards two-way double guideways, primarily at grade. This approach poses challenges, as many road rights-of-way are constrained by frequent vehicle and pedestrian access from both sides and limited space. While this new strategy could be innovative, it may also prove costly and require complex interchanges that could restrict capacity.
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