ULTra is an acronym for Urban Light Transport. The system provides transportation on demand: at the push of a button, a vehicle becomes available within three seconds. The system offers a potential solution to mobility and traffic problems in the Netherlands. ULTra can be deployed as a means of transportation to provide a link between parking areas and airports and in industrial and office parks. The system can also be used in inner city areas and to provide access to large residential areas. Conference centres, large event venues and exhibition areas, large shopping centres, recreational parks and factory outlets can also benefit from this transportation system.
The Heijmans Infrastructure Division have signed a memorandum of understanding with the British company ATS (Advanced Transport Systems) Ltd., the manufacturer of the ULTra vehicles. Heijmans designs and builds entire custom-made systems, ATS delivers the vehicles. Heijmans is targeting the public and private sector with ULTra. ULTra has been tested extensively in Great Britain over the past five years and has been approved by the HM Railway Inspectorate. Heijmans is currently investigating whether the system could also be suitable for transport of goods, in particular to supply inner cities.
The deployment of ULTra is in keeping with the objectives of the Kyoto treaty to reduce the global emission of CO2. ULTra's emissions are 50% lower than those of bus and rail and 70% lower than a car's emisson. Construction is also cheaper: costs are about 60% lower than the construction of a light rail network. The vehicles are guided and controlled using laser technology. The vehicles travel along their own dedicated guideways at a maximum speed of 40 km/hour. In contrast to most forms of mass transportation, the ULTra offers a personal form of transportation. At this point in time, ATS is building the first ULTra guideway at London's Heathrow Airport. This guideway will become operational in 2008.
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A fact sheet is attached. Visuals and images are available upon request.
A fact sheet is attached. Visuals and images are available upon request.
note: this press release is a translation of a Dutch text. In case of textual contradictions between the Dutch and the English version, the Dutch shall prevail.