How To Start Your PRT Network!
Posted: September 29th, 2010 | Author: anastas | Filed under: General | No Comments »Cities are complicated… Really complicated. Specific user interests, different scaled streets, activities and events happening throughout the year, transportation networks and infrastructure systems criss-crossing each-other, financing, etc. PRTs are so different than what we are familiar with, How would we get a PRT network started?
The answers is through expanding nodes that continually grow outwards until their webs touch and the networks become a part of a whole.
Start by implementing nodes of transit in areas where pedestrian communities (that can use the network) are already in place and then expand outwards until they eventually connect. This can be applied to any car oriented city, but as an example for Los Angeles, start in small pedestrian communities like Santa Monica, Ventura Blvd, Larchmont, downtown LA, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, etc. As resources become more available and public support and lifestyles change in those communities, the lines will grow through user support and ultimately connect to one another.
There is a huge benefit in localized transportation for communities to simply get around their neighborhoods and run common errands. The desire to connect the entire network from the beginning is overrated and will come soon down the line as popularity in the system grows. The important thing is that people begin to realize the benefits of public transportation by concentrating our efforts in highly pedestrianized localities. Once we have working successful examples, the word will spread quickly because people will see the advantages and demand change for a better life.
PRTs are most effective when there is a complete network, but we need to begin somewhere. These activated pedestrian oriented nodes are where these nodes should originate from.
A major advantage of PRTs is that they are infinitely scalable and adaptable. As one small loop of the web is built, it immediately can be put into operation. The whole system doesn’t need to be complete.
Due to the low cost of PRTs, this can be gradually accomplished for less money than it currently costs our cities to simply expand and repair our roads from potholes or pointless road widening projects. Our roads are already at peak capacity, how much more expansion can we do before we have to resort to another method? PRTs will happen eventually, so why not take charge of it now and start living a safer, more convenient healthier life now.
The bottom line is, just start building.
