Profile for robmeans

Community Activist

Active in the Milpitas community since 1990, Rob's ''official'' role is Bicycle Transportation Advisory Committee (BTAC) member. BTAC advises the City Council on non-motorized transportation issues. His on-going commitment over the years ensured the completion of the Hetch-Hetchy linear trail through Sunnyhills. With support from BTAC, he's also promoting creekside trails along both Coyote and Berryessa Creeks. Rob also supports the alternative trasnportation options of Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) through his website:
www.electric-bikes.com

Transit Your Way

Imagine a transit system that waits for you rather than you waiting for it. That's possible with Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), a new technology only practical within the past decade due to advances in microprocessors, sensors, telecommunications and software. Instead of using large cans to move many people (e.g. a bus or BART train), PRT uses small plastic (i.e. fiberglass) containers to move one or two people. Think two-seater sports car, like a Miata. Cut off the back (trunk space) and the front (heavy and complicated engine and transmission). Then elevate that ''cab'' onto a guideway so you ride above all the other traffic. Stations, or ''ports'', are like bus stops located at ground level. Most times a PRT cab will be awaiting you at your local port. Get in and punch in your destination. Quickly and quietly your cab leaves the station and rises up to merge with other cab traffic on the main guideway. Since all stations are offline, you never have to stop until you get to your destination station. There your cab automatically leaves the main guideway and drops down to ground level for you to exit. Now your cab is available for someone else.

BART vs. PRT

The proposed 22-mile BART extension from Fremont to San Jose will cost about $175 million per mile and travel an average speed of 45 mph. Current estimates show PRT providing better service at 1/10 the price. If we're really willing to spend $3.8B to improve transportation, why not get 220 miles of PRT crisscrossing the valley instead of just 22? To find out more, visit
www.electric-bikes.com/prt.htm

Email us:
robmeans@aol.com