Electric Rail and DM Benefits

ABSTRACT: In the search for alternatives to oil based transportation, there is growing interest in electric powered personal vehicle transportation. While providing electricity to the vehicles has been problematic, the use of an electric rail has considerable promise. Dual Mode vehicles, which drive similar to an automobile to reach individual destinations, but connect to an electric rail for longer distance travel, take advantage of this electric rail technology. But in addition to the usual benefits of electric transportation, dual mode vehicles also realize better fuel efficiency, driver productivity benefits from computer guidance, reduced congestion, improved safety and lower infrastructure costs.
This paper, starting with a brief discussion of the benefits of electric transportation, goes on to outline the benefits of electric rail transportation, specifically Dual Mode Personal Rapid Transit. It will also discuss Single Mode Freight transportation, the delivery of freight using automated driverless vehicles. This paper concludes with a cost/benefit analysis of a national Dual Mode PRTⁱ and Single Mode Freight system, which summarizes and gives perspective to this unique form of transportation.

(Full paper can be viewed in the PDF attachment.)