The ASCE Automated People Mover Standard: Codifying Best Practices

Since their inception in the U.S. in the 1970s, automated people mover systems have become numerous, with installations around the world. Because APMs are inherently complex systems that involve multiple interacting subsystems, new technology and public safety, it is essential to establish minimum standards for their design, construction, operation and maintenance. The paper describes the benefits of standardization to organizations that specify and procure APM systems, regulatory authorities, system suppliers, system operators, system users and the general public. The consensus approach to standard writing is described and evaluated in terms of fairness, objectivity and effectiveness. Balance in APM Standards Committee membership and openness and transparency of the standards creation process are evaluated. The scope of the APM standard and potential overlap with other related standards produced within other standards-developing organizations is discussed. The degree to which a standard can gain worldwide acceptance, having been developed by an American organization with global membership, is also considered.