A guideway-based rapid transit system is proposed. The system is composed of numerous intelligent, individual car-ferries. It retains the convenience and flexibility of the private automobile while providing, among others, the advantages of efficient use of rights-of-way, reduced cost, comparatively effortless commuting, favorable environmental impact, and a reduced accident toll. Under favorable conditions, a single line of this description might accommodate as much as 5 to 7 times the capacity of a single freeway lane.

TABLE of CONTENTS

PART ONE

I INTRODUCTION

II BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PROPOSED SYSTEM

A Unit Carriers

B Autonomous Switching

C Packet Operation

D Traffic Separation

E Summary

III POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES

A Efficient Use of Rights-of-Way

B Reduced Real Estate and Other Costs

C Safety and Accident Reduction

D Favorable Environment Impact

E Fuel Conservation

F Revenue Source

G Summary

PART TWO

IV OPERATION AND CONTROL

A General Considerations

a Clear Path

b Block Synchronous

c An Improved Approach

d Further Improvement

B Operational Philosophy

a General

b Program-model and Quota Allocation

C Application to a Simple System

a Control of a Single Line

b Control of a Simple System

c Statistical Considerations

D Application to a Real System

a Application of Quotas

b Priorities

c Transfers

d Statistical Considerations

E Alternate Means

F Packet Operation

G System Speed and Packet Discipline

H System Monitors

a Overall System Monitor

b Line and Sector Monitor

I Summary and Comment

V THE ARGUMENT FOR PALLETS

A Minimum Economic Viability

B Unified Control of the System

C Several Approaches Required

a An Optimum System Not Apparent

b Pallets Do Not Hinder Development

D Number of Pallets Needed

E Palleted System are Heavier and More Complex

F Summary and Discussion

VI THE UNIT CARRIER

A General Characteristics

B Mechanical

a Traction

b Brakes

c Coupler and Impact Absorber

d Packet Operation

e Vehicle Restraint

C Guidance and Switching

a Switching Sequence

b Location Knowledge

D Carrier Communication

a Intra-packet Communication

b Interaction with the Transported Vehicle

E Position Sensors and Collision Avoidance

a Packet Sensors

b Longer Range Capability and Collision Avoidance

VII LAUNCH, SEPARATION, AND TRANSFER FUNCTIONS

A The Launching Function

B The Separation Function

C Transfer Between Lines

VIII ENTRANCE/EXIT STATIONS

A Entrance Station

a Vehicles Equipped for the System

b Vehicles Not Especially Equipped

B Exit Stations

C Station Capacity

IX OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

X ABNORMAL OPERATIONS

A Communication Failure

B Overflow

C System Blockage

D Power Failure

XI SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION

APPENDIX A - A Brief Description of a Program to Model an IRT

APPENDIX B - Calculated Data for the San Diego Freeway (I 405)

Note: This is a large file (~ 1.4 megabytes). For a sample set

of data, see below.

APPENDIX C - Calculated Data in the Vicinity of Maximum Traffic

Note: This is a subset of Appendix B