A Pullway is an adaptation of an existing lane of a grade-separated road. The adaptation comprises a light overhead guideway carrying a host of  electrically-powered pulling modules. Each module pulls one car. It is unique in that it includes stronger brakes and radar that allow safe, all-weather stopping in a shorter distance, thus enlarging capacity. The guideway also features a somewhat novel switching device that enables the entry or exit at any desired ramp. The Pullway accepts cars and vans plus mini-buses, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles and buses on sidings and in preference at rush hour.

 

A “Pullway uses a  double coupler  to facilitate steering and spacing.  As a “train”, the cars are joined to the MOTAM and guideway individually, rather than as with railroad cars.

 

    Principal Characteristics

 

1. •Capacity                      5400 vehicles per hour per lane per direction per
   

                                       level 35 to 75 mph.

1. •Vehicle size max         77 high, 80+ wide, 240+ long (inches)
                                       Added height by special design.
   

1. •Levels                          2 (double stack) for 14 ft-4 inches lane height
                                       (common US standard.)
   

1. •Total, 2 levels, 2 dir     21,600 vehicles per hour.
   

1. •Speeds                       68 mph rural; 51 mph, urban; 35 mph ramps.
   

1. •Freight corridor           Two conventional lanes 14-4 high, 96 wide.
   

1. •Power at guideway      Electric 460 volts, 3 phase, 30 kw/vehicle.
   

1. •Power plant spacing    As required to provide 60KW per 100 ft/    
   lane/level.
   

1. •Steering                       Automated, provided through MOTAM/
                                       guideway.
   

1. •Spacing                       66 ft ( pitch) @ 68mph.
   

1. •Max deceleration         4G, maximum, cars; fractional G at
                                       20 ft/sec/sec, buses.
   

1. •Radar for brakes          MOTAM housed, warns multiple cars down
   

                                        the line.

1. •Accident rate-fatal       10x better, expressed as system miles
                                       between fatalities.
   

1. •Accident rate , injury    10x better, as above, impervious to wet
     pavement.
   

1. •Modes                          Entry/exit/junction, cruise (three speeds),
                                       evacuation.
   

1. •Control system             Three levels, redundant on essential
                                       features.