Evaluation of Skycabs Personal Rapid Transit System as a Proposed Public Transport Mode

Abstract

Increasing levels of congestion in Auckland, New Zealand have lead to the need for an innovative public transportation system which is a viable and attractive alternative to private vehicle. SkyCabs International proposed a personal rapid transit system, SkyCabs. It is a low infrastructure, suspended mono-beam system with a capacity of 8 seated and 8 standing passengers per vehicle. The study evaluated the feasibility of a route from Devonport to Takapuna (6.2km) in Auckland. The feasibility analysis included a user-preference survey, an economic evaluation, and assessment of environmental effects. The economic evaluation included time savings, crash reduction analysis and emissions savings. SkyCabs received a benefit-cost ratio of 0.88. Sensitivity analysis on the effects of tourism showed that incorporating the patronage of 30% of Auckland’s leisure tourists would increase the ratio to above 1.0. The environmental benefits include 20,747 tonnes of CO2 production savings, and 0.304 tonnes per cubic meter of particulate matter (PM10) savings. The system has been deemed feasible in the medium and long term, and with supplementary benefit from tourism. Analysis showed that returns will not be received in the first 10 years of operation. The system is an innovative, sustainable alternative to current public transport. It is recommended that Auckland Council, in their transport planning, consider SkyCabs in the long-term plan. Due to the high benefit-cost ratio of 3.54 in the medium (25 years) and 22.18 in long (50 years) term, this study recommends the consideration of SkyCabs as an investment both in an economic and social sense.