[Mpls] Fwd: Big Apple Article about PRT

[Steve Nelson]

> I have a friend who is way into the idea of PRT. I am suspicious of it 
> since I believe in mass transit, and fear PRT could siphon dollars and 
> attention. However, I haven't heard concrete arguments against it (e.g., 
> its carrying capacity is too low, it costs too much, etc.). Anyone know 
> something about it?
>
> Dan

First, let me invite you to join in the PRT discussion group at Yahoo (I am 
also fowarding this response to them as well).

Next, I would like to invite you to the next Taxi2000 open house where you 
can learn even more about it.  I hope that someone will send Dan the time 
and date as I don't have it on my calendar at the moment.

Third, PRT IS Mass Transportation!  Think of it as a train full of small 
cars pulling into and out of the station.  Current pictures show cars widely 
spaced out because during off peak hours this is what the system would 
probably look like.  However, during rush hour and other peak times cars can 
run nearly bumper to bumper resembling something much more train-like.  Only 
this train has the ability to separate and allow each car to go to the 
destination of its occupants WITHOUT having to stop at every other station 
along the way.  Also remember that this train runs above ground and does not 
interfere with cars, buses or LRT.

Because the cars are lighter than LRT the system does not need the 
infrastructure one finds on the current els in Chicago and elsewhere with 
their unsightly overhead supports.  It also means that it is much cheaper 
and faster to build.  One unit excavates a hole and moves down the block to 
dig another.  A second crew comes and places the poles.  A third crew come 
along and lays the "track" between the poles.

And, of course, there is the added advantage in that our own Taxi2000 has a 
list of potential manufacturers that would create jobs right here in 
Minnesota.

Steven M Nelson
Willard Hay
http://citizenshipchronicles.blogspot.com/
Get UP! Get OUT! & GET INVOLVED!!!