QUASI-SYNCHRONOUS CONTROL OF HIGH-CAPACITY PRT NETWORKS

This paper presents a description of high-capacity Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) and a particular system operation and control philosophy called the quasi-synchronous concept. The essence of quasi-synchronous control is given and is contrasted with synchronous and asynchronous techniques. Results of analyses and simulations are presented to support the contention that high-capacity operation is feasible and that quasi-synchronous control is the preferred method. The paper is organized in the following sections: (1) Introduction; (2) System Concept; (3) Local Computer Control; (4) Central Computer Control; and (5) Summary.