Revolutionising urban transport
Urban transport can pose several problems such as delays, noise and air pollution and traffic congestion. Now however, new technology vehicles combined with revolutionary approaches to urban transport systems and services could greatly contribute to urban sustainability. An EC funded project, NETMOBIL has merged four EC projects and non-EC projects together as well as research stemming from Europe, North America and Japan to address these new approaches. Some of the new functions examined thus far include, advanced driver assistance systems, personal rapid transit, automatic driving capabilities and cybernetic transport systems. Advanced driver assistance systems allow for more efficient, safe, environmentally friendly and comfortable travel by car. For taxis, personal rapid transit provides the innovative concept of a circulator which functions as an automated means of moving people around in commercial areas, business districts and campuses. Additionally, automatic driving can enhance the performance of bus rapid transit. Already operational are cybernetic transport systems functioning as road-based people movers and allowing instant capabilities for park-shuttle services. Furthermore, these cybernetic transport systems could offer car-sharing options via environmentally friendly vehicles. The potential of the various innovations have been reviewed in compliance with a mutual assessment framework that concentrates on identifying costs and benefits. Moreover, case histories taken from systems already operating in real world conditions have been presented for each innovation.