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Abstract

Due to increased motorcar popularity, public transport use has declined while congestion costs billions in wasted time, fuel, accidents, air and water pollution. Proposed passenger transport projects have been cancelled in major cities, and completed projects have not attracted the private motorist. This study investigates reasons for this. As cities grow vertically and horizontally, they form three-dimensional mazes requiring special transport design solutions that enhance the city. Congestion can be alleviated by transferring passenger transport onto elevated solutions such as the presented Elevated Small Group Automated Rapid Transit (ESGART) SkyCabs system, which straddles the gap between Group Rapid Transit (GRT) and Personal Rapid Transit (PRT). This two-way monobeam is detailed, including ease of building through cities and low construction cost. Architectural and engineering aspects of eight-seater cabs, cab frequency, stations, and lines are described. This study also explores connectivity on two example lines in Auckland, New Zealand, within a SkyCabs network and to other modes of transport. Quantitative and qualitative attributes are considered. The result is a rapid transport system that is affordable and attractive enough to draw significant numbers of auto users reducing congestion and CO2 emissions.

DOI

http://doi.org/10.5038/2375-0901.14.4.4

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