THE WORLD'S LONGEST FULLY-AUTOMATED METRO

A description is given of the advanced light rapid transit (ALRT) system built to a length of 21.4 km in greater Vancouver. Built in time to serve Expo 86, it uses a combination of metro, lrt and peoplemover technologies. Light aluminium cars 12.7 m long and 2.4 m wide run in pairs on a mainly elevated track at 2 minute headways. Although operating without a driver, roving attendants (RTA's) are employed and their duties are examined. The fact that the project was completed within the budget in just 4 1/2 years is attributed to the construction of a 1.2 km prebuild demonstration section and the creation of a joint project office which simplified administration and decision taking. (TRRL)