Rode this for six years at school. I couldn't afford both a car and my tuition so using the PRT and MountainLine bus was a godsend to getting around.
Still I will not be missing standing on the platform, in the middle of winter with 80 other people wondering if we were going to get home/class/to a final.
I love PRTs and I love that this exists - but, I am stunned that the PRT ride seems so bumpy, as well as being rather slow, and it reminds me of a soviet-era train because everything looks old and bashed up, rather than the high tech experience i thought it might be, like the London Heathrow one will be.
Was this one of the first PRTs in existence? Its still cool, and I wish there was one here, thanks for posting the link.
It's not just the first; it's the only PRT system in existance and operation. It looks the way it does because it is over 30 years old, and is a triumph of Engineering. I'm sick of everyone thinking PRT ought to be these fanciful shiny spherical pods whizzing about everywhere... stupid! This is the way it should be - industrial, robust, concrete with rubber tyres, etc. - Kudos to Boeing for pulling this off and hats off to the gents at the maintenance facility for keeping this thing running.
Well, good for you guys that you had this since the 70s, and this looks like a 70s science fiction transport - which is also cool.
However, there's nothing wrong with shiny modern ones - like the one in Stanstead Airport (London), which used to speak to you with a strong country accent, and play music like the Austin Powers theme music. It always caused amusement passing through.
It's not true that WVU has the only PRT - there are quite a lot of them. I wish we had them in my university.
WVU is the only PRT, yes - it's the only system where you can select your destination (the defenition of PRT). It's direct point-to-point transit (no intermediate stops). I think you're confusing PRT with peoplemovers (which, yes, there are a lot of!).
@duckjock Well, I was confusing it with those monorail transports - so, you're right, AND, after extensive googling, I can say that WVU is the only working PRT that is not 'experimental', and that's cool in itself.
However, there are a few almost ready to go - from Wales, to Poland, to Korea and Dubai.
I'm a WVU student and I use the PRT system pretty much every day. It's a pretty bumpy ride, and a lot of college students use it (especially freshmen) They move on average 11000 people per day on it. It breaks down a lot though-- at least twice per week but usually only for a half hour to an hour. The 1970's technology definitely needs updated.
Rode this for six years at school. I couldn't afford both a car and my tuition so using the PRT and MountainLine bus was a godsend to getting around.
Still I will not be missing standing on the platform, in the middle of winter with 80 other people wondering if we were going to get home/class/to a final.
Anyone get to see the rescue jeep in action? =]
wonderboy2402 1 year ago
LOL the prt's are way slower than that video makes them look
Still cool though. I used the prt's from 9th grade, until i was like 20 (i grew up in moCity)
Bdthe1st 1 year ago
totally bated.
betteroffinmay 2 years ago
the prt is awsome unti it breaks down packed full of people and no air conditioning but its fun to rite when there is no one else on it
mountainbikemason 3 years ago
I love PRTs and I love that this exists - but, I am stunned that the PRT ride seems so bumpy, as well as being rather slow, and it reminds me of a soviet-era train because everything looks old and bashed up, rather than the high tech experience i thought it might be, like the London Heathrow one will be.
Was this one of the first PRTs in existence? Its still cool, and I wish there was one here, thanks for posting the link.
emmetor 3 years ago
It's not just the first; it's the only PRT system in existance and operation. It looks the way it does because it is over 30 years old, and is a triumph of Engineering. I'm sick of everyone thinking PRT ought to be these fanciful shiny spherical pods whizzing about everywhere... stupid! This is the way it should be - industrial, robust, concrete with rubber tyres, etc. - Kudos to Boeing for pulling this off and hats off to the gents at the maintenance facility for keeping this thing running.
duckjock 3 years ago
Well, good for you guys that you had this since the 70s, and this looks like a 70s science fiction transport - which is also cool.
However, there's nothing wrong with shiny modern ones - like the one in Stanstead Airport (London), which used to speak to you with a strong country accent, and play music like the Austin Powers theme music. It always caused amusement passing through.
It's not true that WVU has the only PRT - there are quite a lot of them. I wish we had them in my university.
emmetor 2 years ago
WVU is the only PRT, yes - it's the only system where you can select your destination (the defenition of PRT). It's direct point-to-point transit (no intermediate stops). I think you're confusing PRT with peoplemovers (which, yes, there are a lot of!).
duckjock 2 years ago
@duckjock Well, I was confusing it with those monorail transports - so, you're right, AND, after extensive googling, I can say that WVU is the only working PRT that is not 'experimental', and that's cool in itself.
However, there are a few almost ready to go - from Wales, to Poland, to Korea and Dubai.
The PRT is such a great concept.
emmetor 2 years ago
yes - this system has been around since the later half of the 1970's
mistahchillah 2 years ago
Does it ride like a car or a train? Is it bumpy? And do a lot of people use it?
Awesome video.
PuppyTN 3 years ago
I'm a WVU student and I use the PRT system pretty much every day. It's a pretty bumpy ride, and a lot of college students use it (especially freshmen) They move on average 11000 people per day on it. It breaks down a lot though-- at least twice per week but usually only for a half hour to an hour. The 1970's technology definitely needs updated.
asnoberger 2 years ago
Great to watch!!!!!
747K 4 years ago
I drove down from Ontario, Canada, twice just to ride the PRT - incredible system, thanks for the video!
duckjock 4 years ago
what?
rascalrascal 4 years ago
There are a lot of train and rail enthusiast that go to rare trams and other track transportation to take video.
The WVU tram was the only Federally "Personal Rail" transit system ever made. So maybe thats why he came down.
KineticRic 3 years ago
WOW! That's hilarious! I guess I shouldn't complain about having to walk a half mile to ride it to class then, huh?
asnoberger 2 years ago