Cable-Drawn Systems in Shuttle Applications

Venter, Michael S.; Fosbrook, Geoffrey A.; ,

Cable-Drawn Systems in Shuttle Applications

by Michael S. Venter, JKH Mobility Services, Inc, Palm Harbor, United States,
Geoffrey A. Fosbrook, JKH Mobility Services, Inc, Palm Harbor, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Automated People Movers IV

Abstract:

Cable-drawn Automated People Mover systems have long been regarded as having technology restrictions which often preclude them from being considered for many applications. However, for `shuttle' applications which might be appropriate at many airports and remote parking lot connectors, the cable-drawn technology could provide certain benefits. It often has a significant life cycle cost (combination of initial capital cost and operating and maintenance costs over a 30 year period) advantage over self-propelled technologies. Another advantage stems from the enhanced reliability, maintainability, and availability which can be achieved by the cable-drawn technology due to the location of many subsystems off of the vehicle. This paper compares the life cycle costs; reliability, maintainability and availability; and other performance measures of cable-drawn technology with self-propelled technology for `shuttle' applications. Much of the input to the paper is derived from project experience with the design, procurement, and installation of the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (C/NKIA). The C/NKIA installation is the first U.S. example of cable-drawn technology in an airport application. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the potential benefits of cable-drawn systems in shuttle applications and with a summary of methods used in non-restrictive, technology-competitive contracting to achieve cost and performance objectives.

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