How different are the PTS vehicles from a regular car?

PTS vehicle are conventional vehicles! Unlike most personal rapid transit technologies the McCrary PTS system does not attempt to reinvent the wheel, which makes it a very attractive, and feasible transportation system. PTS vehicles can be vehicles such as the hybrid Toyota Prius or the hybrid Honda Civic or any other standard vehicle that meets the size, weight, and performance specifications of the PTS. The vehicles are then equipped with an onboard, automated sensing and control system. This could be done as an aftermarket modification, but it would be more efficient and less expensive to do it as a factory option. You will find that most other proposed systems attempt to solve every transportation and energy problem under the sun in a single package. Unfortunately these other systems tend to be exorbitantly expensive and usually require a virtual infrastructure revolution. Also, the introduction of so many new technologies in a single system increases the potential for unforeseen technical difficulties. On the other hand, with the McCrary personal transport system all system and subsystem technology, production methods and management techniques are mature and available. Furthermore, the McCrary PTS is totally adaptable to future developments in vehicle propulsion systems or other vehicle advances.

The video shows a very large station at the onramp to the PTS roadway. Aren't big stations a major problem, especially in dense urban areas?

The entry/exit station shown in the video is an artist's concept and should not be taken too literally. Entrances and exits can take any form. In crowded downtown areas entry/exit stations could be connected to multi-story parking garages with a relatively small footprint. In dense urban areas most commuters are interested in parking their cars as soon as possible. For exits that are integrated into a parking structure, the PTS could park your car for you as soon as you exit the PTS roadway thus reducing street-level traffic. On the other hand, entrances and exits that are less busy require only a minimal staging area.

Won't adding the equivalent of a 10-lane freeway in each direction without expanding local streets create massive arterial congestion?

No. The maximum 20-lane capacity of the PTS would not be realized for many years to come if then. Nevertheless, exits off the PTS could be located to specifically avoid highly congested areas or they could fork to better disperse traffic. Also, some stations can double as parking lots or garages. Drivers can then assume control of their vehicle at their leisure or remain parked. In the event that any obstruction (such as an unforeseen traffic jam or accident) occurs at an exit ramp, the PTS master computer will effectively close that exit and alert other commuters scheduling an appointment for that exit that they will be automatically rerouted to the next exit. The flow of traffic on the PTS roadway is never compromised and the inconvenience to rerouted commuters is minimal. If a particular exit continually experiences backups, the PTS can simply and inexpensively be expanded to provide commuters more exits closer to their destinations.

What if one of the vehicles on the PTS roadway experiences a malfunction such as a tire blowout?

PTS vehicles would be required to be equipped with solid core tires eliminating the potential for stranding due to a tire blowout. Additionally, each vehicle's onboard, automated sensing computer continually monitors all of the vehicle's critical components. Every time a vehicle requests entry onto the PTS roadway the master computer performs a quick diagnostic via the vehicle's onboard computer. If at any time one of the vehicle's critical systems exceeds preset operational and safety parameters, it is either denied access to the PTS or is immediately removed from the PTS roadway via the next exit. Should a vehicle fail without triggering the onboard sensing computer ahead of time (however unlikely) the master computer can use another vehicle on the roadway to push the problem vehicle off the PTS roadway via the next exit. PTS vehicles would be equipped with a special bumper for this purpose. Nevertheless, this scenario would be extremely rare thanks to the automated onboard sensing computer.

What if the driver is asleep when the car reaches an off ramp?

The onboard computer always verifies that the driver is capable of operating the vehicle before relinquishing control. All exits from the PTS roadway could include a staging area similar to a small parking lot where the driver can resume control of the vehicle. If the driver delays too long the master computer can move the car to a nearby tow-away zone and even alert the emergency medical system via the master computer. Busy exits can be incorporated into larger parking garages or lots where the PTS can park your car for you. Parking fees can begin to accrue after a given period of time.

I want the benefits of a personal transportation system without buying a specially outfitted car. How can the McCrary PTS compete in this regard with public transportation such as rail systems?

The McCrary PTS is the ideal system to provide personal transport options to everyone, even if you don't own a car . Passenger vehicles dedicated to the PTS can pick up and drop off commuters at any station without requiring a driver. These can be operated like buses following specific scheduled routes. Similarly, driverless taxis can be hired at any properly equipped stations. A public transportation system integrated into the McCrary PTS requires no driver, no added infrastructure, and can be made available to the private sector ensuring a competitive market and thus the lowest cost to the consumer.