Introducing automated people movers

Summary

Automated people movers are electric, driverless vehicles running on dedicated infrastructure that are designed to provide high-frequency urban connections.

Implementing sustainable mobility

The ParkShuttle was introduced in 1997 as a first trial of an automated people mover (APM) in Rotterdam, connecting the metro station and park and ride facility in Kralingse Zoom to the Rivium business park. Although user acceptance was good, the system faced various technical problems such as low speeds, long waiting times due to the single track, and insufficient capacity as a result of the expansion of Rivium.  The trial was completed in 2001, but it was decided to launch a full-scale and improved APM project at the same location within the CIVITAS TELLUS project.

Progress

Improvements to the service included replacing the single track with double-track infrastructure and extending the track by 1 km, with five rather than two stops, significantly reducing walking distances for employees and making the system more attractive to use. Other additions included a travel information system, camera monitoring and smart vehicle dispatching software in order to improve overall services. The three existing shuttles with a capacity of 12 passengers each were to be replaced by six 20-person shuttles.

The quality was also improved by applying state-of-the-art automotive technology. The vehicles are more reliable, comfortable, silent and faster. During peak hours, all vehicles are operational and operate at 2.5-minute intervals. The scheduled service ensures that capacity is optimally used, while the on-demand operations in off-peak hours ensure that passenger service is maximised.

In 2006, development of the line was granted to Connexxion.

Outcomes

On average, drivers are responsible for 50 to 60 percent of operational costs of bus public transport in the Netherlands, thus there is an obvious financial benefit. At service level, the system is also more flexible and efficient.

Financial constraints and the complex local situation, where several infrastructure measures were being combined, led to serious delay in measure implementation, thus no evaluation could take place during the TELLUS period.