Service and Capacity of People Mover Systems

People mover systems are being advocated as solutions to a wide range of urban transportation problems, including internal circulation within activity centers. People movers are most applicable where trip demands are uniform without extreme peaks, and concentrated at definitive node points well beyond acceptable walking distances. This type of trip pattern occurs at most airports and some activity centers but is not common within the typical central business district. Internal trip patterns within CBDs are comprised of many short multipurpose trips with high peaking characteristics and dispersed rather than concentrated desire lines. Trip patterns of this type are best accommodated by walking. Enhancement of pedestrianism within appropriate activity centers, by providing pedestrian only precincts and grade-separated convenience networks are practical and viable alternatives for improving their internal circulation. Many cities are implementing programs of this type.