DFW Skylink: Tracking Success

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW a.k.a. the owner) Skylink Automated People Mover, (APM), launched passenger service on May 21, 2005, replacing Airtrans, the LTV Aerospace Corporation APM system in service since 1973. Skylink transports secure-side passengers to any of five separate airline terminal facilities. As the system develops, valuable experience is being gained that has led to enhanced passenger service, improved operational efficiency, and preferred maintenance business practices in various ways. After the design, construction, testing and commissioning phases reached completion, the continual operation and maintenance phase vigorously began. The lessons gleaned from the areas of quantifiable passenger ridership, passenger wayfinding, training of operations staff, operating procedures, implementation of the maintenance plans, data collection, contract oversight and administration have paved the way with new opportunities to gain valuable insights for projects yet to come. The Skylink team gained experience and was presented with opportunities to assess data to best adapt to the realities of specific application of knowledge in dynamic and flexible ways in order to garner the most advantageous impact for passengers and all stakeholders. Challenges, success, and the lessons derived from them provide the pathway for greater achievement short-term and on future projects.