Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority Technical Memorandum 1 Technology Research Literature Review
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Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority Technical Memorandum 1 Technology Research Literature Review 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Literature Review .................................................................................................................................. 2 Initial Takeaways ....................................................................................................................................... 2 3 Aerial Gondola ...................................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Web Resources Reviewed ............................................................................................................. 6 3.2 Literature Reviewed .................................................................................................................... 11 4 Air Taxi ................................................................................................................................................ 18 4.1 Web Resources Reviewed ........................................................................................................... 19 4.2 Literature Reviewed .................................................................................................................... 34 5 Hyperloop............................................................................................................................................ 57 5.1 Web Resources Reviewed ........................................................................................................... 58 5.2 Literature Reviewed .................................................................................................................... 65 Appendix – Articles ..................................................................................................................................... 88 4/26/20 Page i TBARTA Innovative Transit Technology Study Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority Technical Memorandum 1 Technology Research Literature Review 1 Introduction The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) is conducting the Innovative Transit Technologies (ITT) study to examine the technical, financial, and regulatory feasibility of implementing aerial gondolas, air taxis, and hyperloop technologies. The work for this study is being documented in a series of technical memoranda. The literature review represents Technical Memorandum 1. The purpose of the literature review is to document the current state of each of the three technologies, the locations where they are in operation or testing, their strengths and weaknesses, and as much as possible, the unit costs, maintenance considerations, and infrastructure requirements for each technology. The literature review included a scan of a variety of sources such as professional journals, conference presentations and reports, published project reports, and manufacturer and developer websites. The other technical memoranda include: Tech Memo 2 (Industry Interviews) Tech Memo 3 (Government and Regulatory Review) Tech Memo 4 (Preliminary Corridor Analysis) Alongside the technology literature review, interviews have been conducted to provide a better understanding of the state of the industries. Once these are complete, the study will assess the regulatory framework and governance in place, or in development. Using this information, the team will assess potential corridor market connections within the Tampa Bay region. The information from these technical memoranda will be assembled into a final report. Figure 1 shows the study process and schedule. Figure 1: TBARTA Innovative Transit Technologies Project Schedule and Process 4/26/20 Page 1 TBARTA Innovative Transit Technology Study 2 Literature Review The literature review was conducted to understand the potential for applying aerial gondola, air taxis, and hyperloop in the Tampa Bay region. Relevant data and resources were collected from periodicals, journals, studies, and manufacturer and developer websites. Due to the rapidly advancing state of emerging technologies, articles will continue to be collected for the most current technological development and advancement. The amount and type of content reviewed varies by technology. In regards to air taxis and hyperloop, much of the operational information available is from developers that have a stake in their successful evaluation and implementation. While some cities, states, and regions have conducted feasibility studies and analyses of these technologies, some of these studies (particularly with hyperloop) have been conducted in partnership with the technology developer and rely to some degree on assumptions made by that same developer. This literature review presents the information as impartially as possible. Initial Takeaways Aerial Gondola Aerial gondolas have been used as a form of transport for centuries and are also referred to as ropeways and cable propelled transit (CPT). This technology is characterized by cabins that are pulled along a ropeway through the air between stations. CPT is a travel mode option that is environmentally friendly (no noise or exhaust emissions), reliable, and provides dedicated guideway above obstructive geographic or traffic impediments. While they are mostly associated in the United States (U.S.) with theme parks and ski resorts, in other parts of the world they are also used as a reliable form of urban transit. There are various types of CPT technology, however the Monocable, Tricable and Aerial Tram are the most efficient technologies for urban transit. Whereas air taxis and hyperloop are still in research and development, aerial gondolas are in operation throughout the world. Because aerial gondolas have been around for so long, their operational and infrastructural needs are more well-established. Most of the aerial gondola studies that the literature review found were profiles of existing gondola systems in South America and Europe. In the U.S., there are only two urban gondola systems in operation - the Portland Aerial Tram in Portland, Oregon and the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City. The literature review revealed that there is growing interest in implementing urban aerial gondola systems. Several U.S. cities have completed feasibility studies of urban aerial gondolas, and these studies have identified a number of strengths and weaknesses. Strengths Provides transport over geographic barriers or above congested corridors Can be an effective solution when there is limited ROW Lower capital and operating costs in comparison to other transit modes Safe mobility option Weaknesses Degraded operational capability during thunderstorms and high winds Emergency evacuation from the cabins can be difficult Can cause privacy concerns if they travel over private property 4/26/20 Page 2 TBARTA Innovative Transit Technology Study Could compromise the viewshed System expansion is difficult if not planned for in advance May be perceived as only a tourist attraction Low operating speeds compared to other transit modes The Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City first opened in 1976. It has two stations and two aerial tram cars. The service is operated by Leitner-Poma of America but follows the same fare structure as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway and bus system. The current base fare is $2.75 each way. The Portland Aerial Tram opened in December 2006 at a cost of $57 million. Of that amount, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) provided $40 million. OHSU oversees operation of the Tram, while the City of Portland is responsible for maintenance of the stations and tower and provides regulatory oversight. The tram travels 3,300 feet between the South Waterfront and Marquam Hill. It has two stations and two aerial tram cars. The current fare is $5.10 for a round trip. Air Taxi Air taxi service has been provided for decades by small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. However, its application has been limited because of the high operational costs, the noise of the aircraft, and in some respects the take-off and landing needs for fixed-wing aircraft. In the last several years, there has been renewed interest in this mode of transportation due to research and development of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and improved battery capacity. This method of transportation is also referred to as Urban Air Mobility (UAM). The literature review found that there are over 100 companies in various stages of development of lightweight electric aircraft. These prototype aircraft can be grouped into three broad categories, shown in Figure 2. Multirotor: A circular actuator provides efficient hovering capability but is not ideal for cruising. These types of UAM vehicles can cruise at speeds of 50-80 mph and have a battery capacity to provide a range of 10-25 miles. They can accommodate one to four passengers. Lift + Cruise: Technically, these aircraft are not eVTOL. These aircraft use two different propulsion systems: one for hovering and one for cruising. While they have higher cruising speeds than multirotor aircraft, they require a runway for take-off and landing, which is not ideal for dynamic air taxi service. They can reach speeds of 110-180 mph and have a range of 50- 60 miles. They can accommodate one to four passengers. Vectored Thrust: The vectored thrust