The Cleantech Show #34 (MP3 - 13MB - 35min)
Interview with Martin Lowson, Deputy Chairman, ULTra/Advanced Transportation Systems Ltd

Personal Rapid Transport(or Transit) PRT was conceived a numerous decades ago as a way of transporting people in cities quickly and effectively without the need of drivers or a large footprint.

The concept essential involves computer controlled driverless vehicles that move on a single lane track, removing the need for complex intersections, that then travel at steady speed by merging and demerging as required to reach their destination. If your still not sure what I mean, check out the following video

To discuss PRTs and one of the first PRT systems to be installed, my guest today is Martin Lowson, Deputy Chairman of UK based Advanced Transportation Systems Ltd and founder of the ULTra system, .

The ULTra system has been in development for the last 12 years and unlike other PRTs ATS Ltd have focused on integrating many existing technologies to reduce the complexity that has plagued previous PRT systems. You can read more about this history on wikipedia.

On the show we discuss the new installation of the ULTra system at Heathrow Airport, how the technology works and the best niches for its implementation. By having vehicles which are much lighter, travel at a steady yet constant speed ULTra is very energy efficient. The small footprint of the tracks required in the system also that it can fit in existing airports and cities where traditional systems are not feasible.

PRTs have been a significant interest of mine over the last 15 years so its great to see one finding a level of commercial acceptance. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I did.

cheers
Nick Bruse

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