Modernizing A Proven Automated Transit System to Enhance Cost Effectiveness

Despite controversial political beginnings, the West Virginia University Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system in Morgantown, WV is now receiving the credit it deserves. With over thirty years of operation and no fatalities nor major injuries, the system continues to be an efficient and reliable example of automated transit. When expansions are considered, however, the price tag is always a shock. We can utilize modern technologies to implement a system similar to WVU PRT and take advantage of its robust, efficient, and flexible operating premise. This implementation lays a solid foundation for future exploration of techniques to extend the capabilities of the vehicles by utilizing contemporary equipment in order to alleviate some of the major costs associated with the complex guideway structure. 2