Take me to the airport! Driver??!! Driverless vehicles launched at Heathrow T5

A fleet of 21 driverless vehicles at Heathrow T5 - each capable of carrying four passengers and their luggage - brings considerable environmental benefits; saving more than half of the fuel used by the public and private transport it replaces.

Photography: Lee Durant at Heathrow Terminal 5 for Advanced Transport Systems Limited.

Today marks the opening of the Heathrow pod, a world-first personal rapid transit (PRT) system that promises passengers travelling to and from the T5 Business Car Park to T5 a faster and easier journey.

Arup designed the infrastructure for the 3.8km system, which uses a fleet of 21 driverless vehicles, each capable of carrying four passengers and their luggage, travelling along a dedicated guideway. The vehicles make the journey non-stop, reaching speeds of up to 25mph.

For airport operator BAA, the on-demand vehicles have both operational and environmental benefits. “The Heathrow pod system offers a completely new form of public transport,” says Max Vialou Clark, BAA Heathrow Commercial Director. “It will deliver a fast, efficient service for passengers and bring considerable environmental benefits, saving more than half of the fuel used by the public and private transport it replaces. Passenger feed back has been hugely positive – they love the Heathrow pod.”

The Heathrow pod system was designed, developed, delivered and managed by Ultra PRT for BAA. Arup has been working collaboratively with Ultra PRT since it began developing the Ultra personal rapid transit system in 1995, and designed the test track in Cardiff.

The team faced a number of challenges in designing the Heathrow pod guideway. It had to cross over roads that carry more than 100,000 cars a day, while staying below the height required by airport restrictions. It had to comply with stringent design codes and be safe to build and operate. And construction couldn’t involve the closure or delay of any of the airport’s other transport systems or critical supply lines.

“The Heathrow pod project was both a big challenge and an irresistible opportunity to deliver something novel and ground-breaking,” says Arup associate director Austin Smith. “I can honestly say that it was the positive and stimulating attitude established within the project team doing something unique and exciting that sustained us through the challenges. Seeing the system in operation today is simply excellent and a huge credit to the whole team.”

PRT systems have the potential for a wide range of applications. Arup is currently engaged in campus and airport studies in the US, Europe and Middle East, where PRT is under consideration. “Our unique, practical experience and insight of PRT allows us to provide a valuable, independent assessment of the risks and opportunities associated with this emerging industry, alongside more conventional transit systems”, says Austin.