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S U M M A R Y This report presents draft guidebook research and findings for Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Project 03-06. The objective of this project is to provide a comprehensive guidebook for airport staff at all levels for planning and implementing automated people mover (APM) systems at airports. The development of this guidebook is premised on the fact that with the continued growth in air travel, airports have increased in size and complexity, but the increased dis- tances between activity centers have made them less walkable. The implementation of APMs, however, has allowed both passengers and employees, along with their luggage, wheelchairs, and other accessories, to travel long distances quickly and efficiently. Due to the time sensi- tivity of air travel, many airports have recognized the importance of passenger mobility and have implemented these APM systems. APMs are fully automated and driverless transit systems that operate on fixed guideways in exclusive rights-of-way. They are not subject to congestion or interference from other types of traffic. An APM system is a combination of interrelated subsystems and elements designed to operate as a cohesive entity that provides safe, reliable, and efficient passenger transport. A full description of the APM technology, including the subsystems that comprise it, is provided in Chapter 4. The findings of the guidebook can be summarized as follows: ⢠Developed initially for urban use, APMs have primarily been implemented at major airports around the world. Ease of boarding and capacity flexibility are key reasons the technology has been implemented at 44 airports to date. ⢠Airside APMs have allowed airports to expand in terms of distance between facilities and the numbers of aircraft gates while still maintaining service thresholds. This has contributed to the success of large airline hubbing operations. ⢠Landside APMs have reduced airport roadway congestion and emissions and have enabled large-scale airline hubbing operations (connecting separate landside terminals) and con- venient connections to landside facilities such as parking and rental car facilities and ground transport centers. With additional APMs opening in late 2009 and early 2010, it is clear that APMs continue to be an appropriate passenger conveyance mode for airports. Looking to the future, there are areas of research that would benefit the airport planner with respect APMs, including: ⢠Sustainable planning practices for new and existing APM systems, and ⢠Incorporation of the latest advances of the automated conveyance technology personal rapid transit (PRT) into the planning and implementation of APMs. Guidebook for Planning and Implementing Automated People Mover Systems at Airports 1
2The guidebook also includes an interactive CD that contains a database of detailed char- acteristics of the 44 existing APM systems. Using this database, planners and designers can evaluate specific options appropriate for new projects by comparing similar situations already in operation. This additional information will help in implementing the guidance provided in this document.
