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Cycleloop PRT: An Exploratory Study for Last Mile Connectivity in Urban Transport

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Suresh Babu Salla, Co-Founder & MD, Primerail Infralabs Pvt. Ltd Founded in 2017,Primerail Infralabs is a provider of solutions that maximizes mobility through innovative & cost-effective engineering solutions, competent engineers, latest technologies and client focused design deliveries.

Abstract Smart city demands SMART mobility. Energy-efficient sustainable integrated transport system is a must. It emphasis on Autonomous, Connected, Electric, Sharing system for effective utilization of systems (vehicles & public infrastructure). Two wheelers especially e-cycles can play a major role in last or first mile connectivity and sharing bike system has numerous benefits like better resource utilization, reduction in congestion & pollution, public transit boost and fitness benefits - Legs of Steel and Heart of Gold!

Imbalance in the utilization of existing modes, inadequate feeder transport infrastructure, sub-optimal use of public transport and private car traffic exceeding the capacity of roads are leading to congestions, jams, pollution and travel stress. Many surface mobility innovations, of recent times, although may workable but if we analyze holistically in fact they adds to the already congested roads, questionable reduction in pollution, difficult to ride in hostile weather and poses commuter stress. Reliable & Seamless integrated mobility till last ¼ mile (Five Minute Walk-FMW) is a must to encourage public transportation.
One Potential Solution can be Cycle loop PRT, where Commuter rides e-cycle in an air conditioned elevated(under ground)tube over the medians or footpaths. Bike is the most energy efficient transport mode and e-cycle designs with upright and recumbent seat options can suit large sections of population. Kerb weights of e-bike per rider is almost 1/50th of car or 1/10th of other PRT systems and require small braking distance and turning radius,thus making unit economics in its favour.

Imbalance in the utilization of existing modes, inadequate feeder transport infrastructure, sub-optimal use of public transport and private car traffic exceeding the capacity of roads are leading to congestions,jams, pollution and travel stress


Guided e-Bike can be made self-balancing thus encouraging driver less on-demand vehicle availability in semi-controlled environment. Battery less e-cycle with DC power along with voluntary manual pedaling makes it sustainable and provides health benefits.

Cycleloop tube will be light, sleek & scalable and can be modular erected without much dislocation to residents, either on modified street lamp-posts or can be hanged/suspended between the two stations. Embarking and dis-embarking points or offline stations can be at an interval which suits Five Minute Walk(FMW)to public transit. Five Minute Walk translates to last ¼ th mile. e-Bike equipped with smart electronics & drive controls can intelligently respond to sensors along the loop and autonomously move through Central Data Server controls. Smart switching allows commuters to move from origin to destination without interchange of cycles. Tandem e-bike, Smart switching and Platoon operations algorithm options provide superior through-put for the Cycleloop PRT system. Thus Cycleloop will be safe, reliable, convenient healthy and sustainable alternative mode for last mile connectivity in cities.

The Cycleloop PRT facilitates diverse use cases especially from Metro rail stations to dense hinterlands, as Tier -2 & 3 cities' Public Transport system, patrolling for peripheral security of large establishments, Border patrolling, river & coastal island crossings. Cycleloop is more equitable transit means in the sense it enhances women, students youth and marginalized sections mobility with dignity. Thus Cycleloop PRT can transform cities economically, and ecologically and makes this World Green.