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


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.
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.