Personal Rapid Transit Applications at Airports

Airports appear to be ideal candidates for personal rapid transit (PRT) implementation. Questions relating to PRT's cost and capacity are addressed by comparing PRT to traditional systems such as automated people movers (APM), moving sidewalks and electric carts. In most cases (all when the cost of time is included) PRT handles the required capacity at less cost. It also offers numerous other benefits that might make it the system of choice even with higher costs. PRT may allow airports to completely reinvent themselves. In addition to improving security, this could potentially allow in-transit airline transactions and change the focus of airport terminals from ticketing and check-in to waiting and concessions. If extended to connect the airport to downtown, PRT could also potentially improve the transit service in the neighborhoods it passes through.