PRT Impact Study - The Phase 1 PRT Impact on Morgantown Travel Traffic and Associated Activities

A new and revolutionary public transportation system, the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) System began regular passenger service operation in Morgantown, West Virginia, in October 1975. This is a study of the impact of Phase I Morgantown PRT, the first fully automated transportation system operational in a city environment. The study was designed to record the effect of the system operation on traffic and associated activities in the areas adjacent to the PRT. The intent of the study was to provide information useful to other areas contemplating the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) type installations. The PRT system served approximately 38% of the Morgantown residents. During the course of the study, it was concluded that the system was a major force in influencing travel habits, and that residents of the service area used autos for their trips less often than they did prior to the PRT. Compared to the bus system, which it replaced, the PRT is carrying more than the bus's previous share of the total trips.