Abstract
In a hypothetical year 2008 scenario, a personal rapid transit (PRT) circulator shuttle system and comprehensive door-to-door, new-mobility service transform the major employment center of Palo Alto, California, into a 2-mi transit village, complementing and significantly increasing the attractiveness of rail, carpool, vanpool, bicycle, and bus commutes for the center's 20,000 employees. Of utmost importance, PRT is faster than a person driving alone in the last mile. A transportation management association enables a supportive commuting culture. A larger candidate pool accesses the personal, web-based ride-matching service, MatchRide and increases carpool formation. New applications of cellular location-tracking technology and wireless-enabled handsets are proposed to increase the competitiveness of suburban commuting alternatives. Cellular phones evolve to become a commuter's command center, an integral part of the workday. The following applications are proposed: (a) TrakRide to improve the reliability of carpool rendezvous and increase courteous, punctual behavior; (b) NextTrain to improve the reliability of train-shuttle connections; (c) HomeSafe to ensure that carpools of strangers operate safely; (d) QuickCar to provide 5-min access to cars for centralized carsharing and emergency ride home with wireless door key; (e) SpyKids to maintain secure custody of children during unaccompanied shuttle trips; and (f) NextSpace to direct commuters to available parking spaces, with wireless access to automated, shared parking lots. A central database, known as Big Sister, maintains personal data to support these applications.
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