AN ASSESSMENT OF AVCS MAGLEV HYBRID PERSONAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM

The challenges posed by current surface transportation problems cannot be solved by the application of a few isolated independent actions. A broad, comprehensive solution is needed to restore and build the future mobility our society will demand. The concept for such a solution is embodied in the term, AVCS maglev. AVCS maglev is the synergistic combination of Advanced Vehicle Control Systems (AVCS), which is the most comprehensive functional area of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), and the high-speed magnetic levitation (Maglev) technology. AVCS maglev will provide a safe, high-speed, high-capacity, energy-efficient, environment-friendly intercity and intracity transportation system. Most importantly, the new system would be compatible with and, indeed, an extension of the existing highway transportation system. So to speak, the guideways would be constructed basically in the medians of existing highways. While the vehicles using the "magway" (maglev guideway) would be evolutionary like present day automobiles, they would be privately owned and could operate on ordinary highways and streets as well as the AVCS magways. The significance of this research lies in salvaging and capitalizing on the promising concepts of AVCS and Maglev and melding them into a transportation strategy.