Personnel Rapid Transit | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Locale | Durham, NC, US |
Transit type | People mover |
Number of stations | 3 |
Operation | |
Began operation | 1979-12-08 |
Ended operation | 2009 |
Operator(s) | Duke University |
Number of vehicles | 3 |
Technical | |
Track gauge | concrete guideway |
Duke University Medical Center Patient Rapid Transit or Personnel Rapid Transit (PRT) was an automated people mover system located at the Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina, in the United States.[1] The system was in operation from 1979 to 2009.[2] The PRT was notable for having cars propelled by a linear induction motor and suspended on a bed of compressed air[3] similar to a hovercraft. Uniquely, the cars could move sideways, as well as backwards and forwards.[3]
The proclaimed "horizontal elevator" system was designed by Otis Elevator Company during the 1970s, installed beginning in 1977 and opened on December 8, 1979. The PRT had three driverless Otis Hovair vehicles[4] which had a hinged-window at each end for emergency exit.[5]
The concrete guideway was built as double track, connecting the three stations at Duke South, Duke North and Parking Garage II via a tunnel under Erwin Road.[6]
... Personnel Rapid Transit system utilized to transport patients, employees, visitors and supplies between Duke Hospital North, Duke Hospital South and Parking Garage II.
scrams
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).three 22-passenger ... no rotating parts ... a linear-induction motor propels the cars ... ice, rain and snow don't limit performance ... the cars can move sideways
developed by Otis ... their first vehicle was called Hovair
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ignored (help)
a walkway and monorail beneath Erwin Road from the garage to Duke Hospital