An Overview of Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) Case Study: Shiraz University

Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) is a hybrid between personal, private transportation and public transportation. Using small passenger pods traveling along a dedicated guideway, a PRT network is a fully automated transportation system that ferries passengers between stations. Unlike other modes of public transportation, the PRT system allows passengers to ride in privacy with other passengers of their choosing, it uses tiny vehicles that allows for a smaller infrastructure footprint, and it allows passengers to use the service on demand. PRT is convenient, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective. Shiraz is one of developing cities in Iran. Using public transportation has been welcomed by a large number of people who prefer to use buses and subway to reach downtown. As it has been observed recently more and more people, ranging different ages, are inclined to use public transportation. This trend has caused Shiraz to have the cleanest air among Iran major cities. Regarding this, developing Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) seems to be promising and as Shiraz population is growing as well as its economy, it can be potentially a successful project.