A Short History of Downtown Automated People Movers in U.S. Cities — An example of why technology alone cannot solve urban problems

Thursday, February 16, 2012
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: DOW 642
Speaker: William Leder, Adjunct Professor and Roland A. Mariucci Distinguished Practitioner in Residence

In the early 1970s many automated guideway transit technologies and concepts were emerging, and numerous applications were proposed. One of the urban transportation initiatives of that era was the Downtown People Mover (DPM) Program, sponsored by the U.S government, in which support in the form of grants was provided to demonstrate automated guideway transit as a circulation system in downtowns. These systems were envisioned as important transportation links that would help to reverse urban decay. This presentation will provide a history of the Downtown People Mover (DPM) Program, a description of and current status of the three DPM systems that were built, and lessons learned.

More information: Civil Engineering Graduate Seminar-Bill Leder