ExpressTram
Encyclopedia
The ExpressTram is an automated people mover system operating at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
, in Romulus, Michigan
. The driverless system transports passengers along Concourse A of the airport's Edward H. McNamara Terminal, which is the world's second-longest airport concourse. Detroit Metro Airport serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines
. The ExpressTram entered service when the McNamara Terminal opened on February 24, 2002.
and Poma
that has since been dissolved. Installation was performed by Otis Elevator Company, and Otis currently operates and maintains the system.
The system operates 21 feet (6.4 m) above the main floor, and it consists of two cable-driven trams that ride upon an air-cushion, similar to a hovercraft. Each tram is made up of two cars and can carry up to 208 passengers at a time. The track, referred to as a guideway in the APM industry, is over 3700 feet (1,127.8 m) long.
The system also has informational displays located in the stations and throughout the entire concourse. These information boards include a track display that shows the location of the two trams, and the amount of time until the next tram departs from the closest station. LED displays in the stations, and in the trams, provide passenger information, such as next destination. A pre-recorded male voice delivers audio information and warnings.
The system's primary infrastructure consists of a single guide-way with a passing loop
. When approaching the Center station, one tram veers off from the main guideway onto the loop, allowing the two trams to pass each other. The passing loop reconnects to the main portion of the guideway beyond the center station. Operating software attempts to keep the trams synchronized, so that the trams arrive at the Center Station simultaneously, but this is not essential. In the event that trams lose synchronization, as is frequently the case with passenger induced delays, the first tram to arrive at the Center station will be held until the opposite tram enters the passing loop area, providing a clear path for the waiting tram.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport , usually called Detroit Metro Airport, Metro Airport locally, or simply DTW, is a major international airport covering in Romulus, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It is Michigan's busiest airport....
, in Romulus, Michigan
Romulus, Michigan
Romulus is a suburban city of Metro Detroit, located in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 23,989 at the 2010 census, an increase from 22,979 in 2000. Romulus is home to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and a General Motors plant that opened in 1976...
. The driverless system transports passengers along Concourse A of the airport's Edward H. McNamara Terminal, which is the world's second-longest airport concourse. Detroit Metro Airport serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, Inc. is a major airline based in the United States and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network serving all continents except Antarctica. Delta and its subsidiaries operate over 4,000 flights every day...
. The ExpressTram entered service when the McNamara Terminal opened on February 24, 2002.
Technology
The system was custom designed by Poma-Otis Transportation Systems, a joint venture between Otis Elevator CompanyOtis Elevator Company
The Otis Elevator Company is the world's largest manufacturer of vertical transportation systems today, principally focusing on elevators and escalators...
and Poma
Poma
Poma, also known as Pomagalski S.A. is a French company, specialising in construction of cable-driven lift systems, including fixed and detachable chairlifts, gondola lifts, funiculars, aerial tramways, people movers, and surface lifts. Poma has installed more than 7800 devices on five continents,...
that has since been dissolved. Installation was performed by Otis Elevator Company, and Otis currently operates and maintains the system.
The system operates 21 feet (6.4 m) above the main floor, and it consists of two cable-driven trams that ride upon an air-cushion, similar to a hovercraft. Each tram is made up of two cars and can carry up to 208 passengers at a time. The track, referred to as a guideway in the APM industry, is over 3700 feet (1,127.8 m) long.
The system also has informational displays located in the stations and throughout the entire concourse. These information boards include a track display that shows the location of the two trams, and the amount of time until the next tram departs from the closest station. LED displays in the stations, and in the trams, provide passenger information, such as next destination. A pre-recorded male voice delivers audio information and warnings.
Route
The ExpressTram services three stations along Concourse A. The stations at the ends of the concourse are appropriately named the North Station (which serves gates A56-A78) and the South Station (which serves gates A1-A28). The center station serves gates A29-A55, Luggage Claim, Ground Transportation, and Concourses B and C. The center station is officially known as the Terminal Station, based upon its close proximity to the main terminal building, which houses baggage claim, airline check-in counters, and ground transportation facilities. A maintenance garage lies beyond the North Station.The system's primary infrastructure consists of a single guide-way with a passing loop
Passing loop
A passing loop is a place on a single line railway or tramway, often located at a station, where trains or trams in opposing directions can pass each other. Trains/trams in the same direction can also overtake, providing that the signalling arrangement allows it...
. When approaching the Center station, one tram veers off from the main guideway onto the loop, allowing the two trams to pass each other. The passing loop reconnects to the main portion of the guideway beyond the center station. Operating software attempts to keep the trams synchronized, so that the trams arrive at the Center Station simultaneously, but this is not essential. In the event that trams lose synchronization, as is frequently the case with passenger induced delays, the first tram to arrive at the Center station will be held until the opposite tram enters the passing loop area, providing a clear path for the waiting tram.
External links
- ExpressTram Video #1 (YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
) - ExpressTram Video #2 (YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
)