M etropolitan I ndividual S ystem of T ransportation on an E levated R ail

MMetropolitan etropolitan IIndividualndividual SSystem of ystem of TTransportation on an ransportation on an EElevated levated RRailail

For individual transportation of people and For individual transportation of people and cargo in metropolitan (city) areas (pat. pending) cargo in metropolitan (city) areas (pat. pending)

(a cross of a driverless taxi with a metro)(a cross of a driverless taxi with a metro)

- - MISTERMISTER

1 – no prior “state of art” knowledge…1 – no prior “state of art” knowledge…2 – unique combination …2 – unique combination …3 – no known systems in operation …3 – no known systems in operation …4 – no real future in “old” systems development …4 – no real future in “old” systems development …5 – “open minds” needed …5 – “open minds” needed …

Olgierd (Ollie) MikoszaOlgierd (Ollie) Mikosza((MScMSc CS & EE) CS & EE)

[email protected]@vp.pl

+48 (505) 051-339+48 (505) 051-339

ZakopaneZakopane

PolandPoland

How did it all start …How did it all start …

30 years of work around the World in many IT fields30 years of work around the World in many IT fields

2 years of traffic jams in California2 years of traffic jams in California

TST05 Conference, 3-5 Nov 20TST05 Conference, 3-5 Nov 2005, Katowice05, Katowice

(c) MISTER by Ollie Mikosza, Poland(c) MISTER by Ollie Mikosza, Poland 33

How does it work ?How does it work ?1.1. They go to the nearest MISTER Stop (max of 200-300 m away from their They go to the nearest MISTER Stop (max of 200-300 m away from their

apartment).apartment).

2.2. Select destination (theater complex in a MALL, 3km away) and validate Select destination (theater complex in a MALL, 3km away) and validate their identity + payment capability via CC etc.their identity + payment capability via CC etc.

3.3. Board waiting PAT (if not there, one will arrive in max of 2 mins).Board waiting PAT (if not there, one will arrive in max of 2 mins).

4.4. PAT accelerates and merges into main MISTER line, 6-10 m above the PAT accelerates and merges into main MISTER line, 6-10 m above the street.street.

5.5. They have only 5 minutes before reaching destination (no stopping) to They have only 5 minutes before reaching destination (no stopping) to chat, watch city sights, TV, commercials or listen to music.chat, watch city sights, TV, commercials or listen to music.

6.6. PAT leaves main transit line for an off-line stop inside the MALL, near PAT leaves main transit line for an off-line stop inside the MALL, near the movies complex. the movies complex.

7.7. Browns’ family disembark and PAT is available for another trip, Browns’ family disembark and PAT is available for another trip, anywhere else on the MISTER network.anywhere else on the MISTER network.

(eg. Browns’ family is going to the cinema)(eg. Browns’ family is going to the cinema)



Subjects to discuss:Subjects to discuss:1.1. City Transport Problems City Transport Problems

2.2. MISTERMISTER features and operation features and operation

3.3. SOCRATES – a Key to MISTERSOCRATES – a Key to MISTER

4.4. PerformaPerformannce Comparisonce Comparison

5.5. Estimated CostsEstimated Costs

6.6. Benefits of MISTERBenefits of MISTER solutionsolution

7.7. ObjectionsObjections

8.8. SummarySummary

LITI LITI - - Light Intracity Light Intracity Transport InfrastructureTransport Infrastructure

PATPAT - - Personal Personal Autonomous TransporterAutonomous Transporter



2. Main features and operation2. Main features and operation1. LITI – 1. LITI – Light Intracity Transport InfrastructureLight Intracity Transport Infrastructure

concrete, metal, Kevlar or laminated wood concrete, metal, Kevlar or laminated wood columns supporting metal „grid rails”.columns supporting metal „grid rails”.

Off-line ( parallel ) stationsOff-line ( parallel ) stations Small stations (PAT stops) every 300-500 m. Small stations (PAT stops) every 300-500 m.

Possible enclosing of LITI inside light, transparent Possible enclosing of LITI inside light, transparent „tube” to protect it from weather elements.„tube” to protect it from weather elements.

Standardized size and structure of LITI building Standardized size and structure of LITI building blocks.blocks.

Potential „parking lots” for PATs within strategic Potential „parking lots” for PATs within strategic station areas, when PATs are not in use.station areas, when PATs are not in use.

3. SOCRATES – automation and control3. SOCRATES – automation and control

control of all MISTER functions, from scheduling control of all MISTER functions, from scheduling and business to every sensor monitoring. and business to every sensor monitoring.

Distributed, Integrated processingDistributed, Integrated processing

2. PAT2. PAT - - Personal Autonomous TransporterPersonal Autonomous Transporter vehicles self propelled, small, light (composite materials)self propelled, small, light (composite materials) Maximum PAT density – every 10mMaximum PAT density – every 10m Low speed (<50km/h)Low speed (<50km/h) Demand driven - no empty runsDemand driven - no empty runs



PAT - PAT - PPersonal ersonal AAutonomous utonomous TTransporterransporter

In contrast to current public In contrast to current public transport systems, we have transport systems, we have small, driverless vehicles for small, driverless vehicles for non stop, point-to-point travel non stop, point-to-point travel within LITI network.within LITI network.

PATs are carrying only 1-4 PATs are carrying only 1-4 passengerspassengers• They are very light (200-300kg) They are very light (200-300kg)

because they: because they: Travel at low speeds Travel at low speeds

(<50km/h)(<50km/h) Use light, efficient electric Use light, efficient electric

motor (less than 10 KW)motor (less than 10 KW) Have no car like wheels and Have no car like wheels and

suspensionsuspension Don’t need crash proofing or Don’t need crash proofing or

heavy load constructionheavy load construction



Stations (PAT stops)Stations (PAT stops) Visualization of stations from similar systems, Visualization of stations from similar systems,

show small ground infrastructure show small ground infrastructure requirements.requirements.

PATs, which do not need to stop at a given PATs, which do not need to stop at a given station, are simply bypassing it on the main station, are simply bypassing it on the main LITI line, without changing their speed.LITI line, without changing their speed.

A single ramp with a space for only 5 PATs A single ramp with a space for only 5 PATs can handle over 1000 passengers p/hr!can handle over 1000 passengers p/hr!

Stops may be located inside buildings, Stops may be located inside buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping malls etc.schools, hospitals, shopping malls etc.

For heavy demand locations, PAT Stops may For heavy demand locations, PAT Stops may have several parallel bays for loading of have several parallel bays for loading of passengers or cargo (both in vertical and passengers or cargo (both in vertical and horizontal directions). horizontal directions).

Cargo areas may be separated from Cargo areas may be separated from passenger areas for security and congestion passenger areas for security and congestion reasons.reasons.

Some stations have multi-level „cage Some stations have multi-level „cage garages” (Fig.3c), to store PATs, if there is no garages” (Fig.3c), to store PATs, if there is no demand during off-peak times.demand during off-peak times.

Fig.3a – simple station by www.skytran.net

Fig.3b –simple station by www.higherway.us

Fig.3c PAT storage in

„cage” garages



LITI Installation MethodLITI Installation Method Total cost of a single column , including Total cost of a single column , including

materials and labour should be around materials and labour should be around $2000 ! $2000 !

1.1. Drill a foundation holeDrill a foundation hole

2.2. Sink reinforcement cageSink reinforcement cage

3.3. Pour ConcretePour Concrete

4.4. Bolt on a columnBolt on a column

5.5. Bolt on rail hangerBolt on rail hanger

6.6. Mount railsMount rails

Fig.7 LITI installation method by www.skytran.net



„„Static rail switch” for Static rail switch” for stations and intersectionsstations and intersections

On-ramp (merging into main traffic A-Bw-C) - On-ramp (merging into main traffic A-Bw-C) - Fig 2 :Fig 2 :• Motion on „right” wheels (#19) of engine caddy Motion on „right” wheels (#19) of engine caddy

in the merging area „A”in the merging area „A”

• Motion on „all” wheels (#9,19) of engine caddy Motion on „all” wheels (#9,19) of engine caddy in the merging and main rail area „Bw”in the merging and main rail area „Bw”

• Motion on „left” wheels (#9) of engine caddy in Motion on „left” wheels (#9) of engine caddy in the main rail area „C”.the main rail area „C”.

Off-ramp (C-Bz-A) - Fig 4:Off-ramp (C-Bz-A) - Fig 4:• Reversal of the sequence above, using „Bz” Reversal of the sequence above, using „Bz”

area.area.

LITI lines intersection - Fig 5:LITI lines intersection - Fig 5:• Joining of the off/on ramp sequences in the Joining of the off/on ramp sequences in the

intersection area of LITI (C-Bz-A-Bw-C).intersection area of LITI (C-Bz-A-Bw-C).



3. SOCRATES3. SOCRATES – PURPOSE AND OPERATION – PURPOSE AND OPERATION((SSystem for ystem for OOptimization, ptimization, CControl, ontrol, RRoute oute AAnalysis and nalysis and TTraffic raffic EEnvironment nvironment SSupervision) upervision)

Main tasks of this sub-system is control of automation and computing Main tasks of this sub-system is control of automation and computing functions of all MISTER operations.functions of all MISTER operations.

SOCRATESSOCRATES is a communication, control and processing network consisting of is a communication, control and processing network consisting of MOBILE and STATIONARY computers and their interaction. Computers are located MOBILE and STATIONARY computers and their interaction. Computers are located in vehicles, stations and Control Centre. SOCRATES is also based on the three, in vehicles, stations and Control Centre. SOCRATES is also based on the three, cooperating technologies:cooperating technologies:

ACT - Adjacent Cell TransmissionACT - Adjacent Cell Transmission allows PAT vehicles, which are nearby, to allows PAT vehicles, which are nearby, to communicate communicate directlydirectly with each other and with nearby station via radio links. with each other and with nearby station via radio links. This ensures that This ensures that movement safety is always providedmovement safety is always provided, regardless of the , regardless of the Central and/or Stations Computer Systems are malfunctioning or have failed.Central and/or Stations Computer Systems are malfunctioning or have failed.

GPS - Geo Positional System GPS - Geo Positional System provides positioning data for PAT vehicle as well provides positioning data for PAT vehicle as well as for Central and Station systemsas for Central and Station systems

xCSxCS - - Computer- SystemComputer- System , i.e. interconnected computer applications broken , i.e. interconnected computer applications broken down to 3 levels of operation and location :down to 3 levels of operation and location :

vCS - Vehicle (Local) vCS - Vehicle (Local) i.e. information about PAT, all its components and status i.e. information about PAT, all its components and status sCS - Station (Tactical)sCS - Station (Tactical) i.e. all events taking place in and around Station i.e. all events taking place in and around Station mCS – Master (Strategic)mCS – Master (Strategic), i.e. in relation to entire MISTER system and all its , i.e. in relation to entire MISTER system and all its

components components



4. Performance 4. Performance ComparisonComparisonBus/tramBus/tram MetroMetro MISTERMISTER

Parameters :Parameters :

Max Vehicle passengers capacity (VC) :Max Vehicle passengers capacity (VC) :

Max no. of vehicles p/hr (VPH) : Max no. of vehicles p/hr (VPH) :

Max Max vehiclevehicle speed : speed :

Average Average vehiclevehicle speed (AVS) : speed (AVS) :

Average Average vvehicle time spacing :ehicle time spacing :

5050

180180

60 km/h60 km/h

10 km/h10 km/h

20 sec20 sec

400400

6060

100 km/h100 km/h

30 km/h30 km/h

60 sec60 sec

44

4,0004,000

40 km/h40 km/h

40 km/h40 km/h0.9 sec0.9 sec

Max line throughput - PAX/hrMax line throughput - PAX/hr

(single „track”, one direction, VC * VPH)(single „track”, one direction, VC * VPH) 9,0009,000 24,00024,000 16,00016,000

11. PAX mileage/hr capacity:. PAX mileage/hr capacity:

(VC * VPH * AVS)(VC * VPH * AVS) 110,000110,000 720,000720,000 640,000640,000

22. Relative Energy efficiency (p/payload . Relative Energy efficiency (p/payload unit)unit)

11 22 > > 1010

33. Convenience :. Convenience : Poor (2)Poor (2) Poor (2)Poor (2) Outstanding (5)Outstanding (5)

44. Min-Max (Avg) Waiting + access time. Min-Max (Avg) Waiting + access time 1-10 min (5)1-10 min (5) 5-10 min (8)5-10 min (8) 1-4 min (2)1-4 min (2)

Relative „system goodness” Relative „system goodness” factor :factor : Normalized [Normalized [((1 * 1 * 2 * 3) / 2 * 3) / 44 ] ]

11 1010 400400

Relative cost of passenger-kmRelative cost of passenger-km estimateestimate: (infrastructure, : (infrastructure, maintenance, staffing, vehicles)maintenance, staffing, vehicles)

0,50,5 11 < 0,1< 0,1



5. Estimated Costs5. Estimated CostsSome costing „perspectives” :Some costing „perspectives” :

$100$100 billionbillion wasted in traffic jams in 2000 in USA alone ! wasted in traffic jams in 2000 in USA alone ! ( ( http://www.ai.uic.edu/projectMain.html ) )

Approximate costs (in US$) of city infrastructures :Approximate costs (in US$) of city infrastructures :• 40 storey sky scraper 40 storey sky scraper - $ 200+ M- $ 200+ M• multilevel intersection multilevel intersection - $ 20-100 M- $ 20-100 M• 1 km metro (underground)1 km metro (underground) - $ 200+ M- $ 200+ M• 1 km of Automated People Movers (APM) 1 km of Automated People Movers (APM) - $ 100+ M- $ 100+ M• 1 km of Light Rail (LRT) 1 km of Light Rail (LRT) - $ 30-50 M- $ 30-50 M• 1 km of 6 lane freeway 1 km of 6 lane freeway - $ 30+ M- $ 30+ M• 1 km of 4 lane highway 1 km of 4 lane highway - $ 10+ M- $ 10+ M• 1 km of tramway 1 km of tramway - $ 5-10 M- $ 5-10 M

Cost of MISTER p/km (in built up area) :Cost of MISTER p/km (in built up area) :• LITI (50 columns, 2 km of „rail”, labor)LITI (50 columns, 2 km of „rail”, labor) - $1.0 M - $1.0 M• Stations (Stations (66 - - small structures with 1 bay for 10 vehicles)small structures with 1 bay for 10 vehicles) - $1.0 M - $1.0 M• PATs (200 @ $10K p/vehicle)PATs (200 @ $10K p/vehicle) - $2.0 M - $2.0 M• Automation, LITI sensors and controlAutomation, LITI sensors and control - $1.0 M - $1.0 M

• TOTAL cost p/km (with ! Rolling stock !) :TOTAL cost p/km (with ! Rolling stock !) : - - $5.0 M$5.0 M



ELIMINATION or MAJOR IMPROVEMENT in the following traffic FACTORS :ELIMINATION or MAJOR IMPROVEMENT in the following traffic FACTORS :

No collisions (ultimate safety)No collisions (ultimate safety)

Individual and direct mode of transportation for each passenger or cargo Individual and direct mode of transportation for each passenger or cargo between start and destination, no queuing, delays, congestion and between start and destination, no queuing, delays, congestion and empty runs.empty runs.

No No air pollutionair pollution

Minimal Minimal energy consumptionenergy consumption per payload unit per payload unit

Minimal cost and time of Minimal cost and time of infrastructure developmentinfrastructure development even with inner city even with inner city roads, while traffic payload is comparable to Metroroads, while traffic payload is comparable to Metro

Minimal infrastructure Minimal infrastructure real estate demandsreal estate demands

anti-terrorist propertiesanti-terrorist properties, due to “target dispersement”, due to “target dispersement”

anti-flooding qualityanti-flooding quality, since it operates meters above the ground, since it operates meters above the ground

Minimal Minimal transit timestransit times between start and destination between start and destination

Reduction in Reduction in remaining road vehiclesremaining road vehicles congestions, accidents, traffic jams and congestions, accidents, traffic jams and reduction in number of lorries delivering/collecting goods within city reduction in number of lorries delivering/collecting goods within city

6. Benefits of 6. Benefits of MISTERMISTER SYSTEM SYSTEM



7. Objections7. Objections• Lack of private car convenience (door to door)Lack of private car convenience (door to door) – cannot be helped, but within city – cannot be helped, but within city

centres and for work commute MISTER beats traffic jams, accidents, parking hassles, driving centres and for work commute MISTER beats traffic jams, accidents, parking hassles, driving stress and car costs. Lack of „car like” alternative forces people to use cars. stress and car costs. Lack of „car like” alternative forces people to use cars. With availability With availability of MISTER, it will change of MISTER, it will change !!

• Costs are much higher than projected (see cable cars)Costs are much higher than projected (see cable cars) – untrue. Cable cars cannot – untrue. Cable cars cannot match MISTER in terms of speed, convenience, functionality and many other parameters. They match MISTER in terms of speed, convenience, functionality and many other parameters. They are also expensive due to large structures, therefore exponential technical problems (eg. are also expensive due to large structures, therefore exponential technical problems (eg. cable itself). In MISTER everything is „small”, not demanding in technical terms and hence cable itself). In MISTER everything is „small”, not demanding in technical terms and hence lower costs.lower costs.

• Same as „Wuppertal” conceptSame as „Wuppertal” concept – untrue. Wuppertal was an aerial tramway, not an – untrue. Wuppertal was an aerial tramway, not an individual travel between any 2 grid points without stopping. It was big, old technology applied individual travel between any 2 grid points without stopping. It was big, old technology applied to a different concept (more like rail, not individual travel).to a different concept (more like rail, not individual travel).

• Nobody did it so far, so it cannot be doneNobody did it so far, so it cannot be done –„unscientific” attitude. –„unscientific” attitude. Only today, the cost of sensors, computing power and know-how makes it possible! Only today, the cost of sensors, computing power and know-how makes it possible! From construction and mechanical perspective, MISTER is almost trivial!From construction and mechanical perspective, MISTER is almost trivial!

• „„foreign infrastructure appearance” for the current urban landscape –foreign infrastructure appearance” for the current urban landscape – untrue. Many untrue. Many cities already have overhead rail/metro systems. Some 100 cities installed ugly „cable cities already have overhead rail/metro systems. Some 100 cities installed ugly „cable tramway” systems, so MISTER will look good in comparison to those and will blend into the tramway” systems, so MISTER will look good in comparison to those and will blend into the landscape of any modern city.landscape of any modern city.

• Privacy invasion (looking thru the windows) due to rail elevation –Privacy invasion (looking thru the windows) due to rail elevation – Cannot be helped Cannot be helped in some city areas, but many cities already in some city areas, but many cities already do not do not have private apartments at low levels, due have private apartments at low levels, due to noise and pollution. This is not a main problem but a matter of public education and to noise and pollution. This is not a main problem but a matter of public education and acceptance.acceptance.

• Computer system is “too complex” –Computer system is “too complex” – it is NOT “too” complex. This happens to be my field, it is NOT “too” complex. This happens to be my field, so I know that it CAN be done, and undertake, to create it, from scratch, without hundreds of so I know that it CAN be done, and undertake, to create it, from scratch, without hundreds of programmers, without hundreds of millions of $$ and within 2 years !programmers, without hundreds of millions of $$ and within 2 years !

• ...?...?



8. Summary8. Summary Main benefits of MISTER are derived fromMain benefits of MISTER are derived from reductionreduction of: of:

• Surface and air friction (< Surface and air friction (< 5050% of a car)% of a car)• Mass of vehicle (< Mass of vehicle (< 5050% of a car)% of a car)• Number of vehicles in operation (< Number of vehicles in operation (< 5050%)%)• Unnecessary, multiple acceleration/breaking Unnecessary, multiple acceleration/breaking (< 5x)(< 5x)• Energy consumption p/payload unit Energy consumption p/payload unit (< 5x)(< 5x)• Cost of infrastructure - land and construction Cost of infrastructure - land and construction (< 5x)(< 5x)• Environment pollution Environment pollution (< 5x)(< 5x)

andand increase increase ofof ::• Safety Safety (through no collisions and passenger identification)(through no collisions and passenger identification)

• Average travel speed (40 km/h)Average travel speed (40 km/h)• Comfort of travelComfort of travel……



REFERENCES REFERENCES

[1] - http://kinetic.seattle.wa.us [1] - http://kinetic.seattle.wa.us [2]. [2]. http://www.ai.uic.edu/projectMain.html http://www.ai.uic.edu/projectMain.html [3]. http://www.publicpurpose.com [3]. http://www.publicpurpose.com [4]. http://www.transwatch.co.uk [4]. http://www.transwatch.co.uk [5] http://www.atsltd.co.uk [5] http://www.atsltd.co.uk [6]]. http://www.personalrapidtransit.com[6]]. http://www.personalrapidtransit.com



Thank YouThank You

and and think about it !think about it !

This WILL happen very soon !This WILL happen very soon !

Documents

M etropolitan I ndividual S ystem of T ransportation on an E levated R ail