Energy Efficiency Comparison
The batteries powering the GRT vehicles can typically be charged as and when required by in-built facilities under coordination of the central control system while the vehicles are at rest. The entire GRT system is electric-powered; running as and when needed by the users, thereby avoiding energy wastage caused by frequent ``stop and go`` operations. Coupled by use of ultra-lightweight vehicles, their energy consumption is thus the lowest compared to conventional buses and cars. Comparing energy consumption per passenger per kilometer, traditional travel mode of conventional cars consumes up to nearly three times the energy of GRT. Furthermore, a GRT system produces no on-site emissions, and its carbon footprint can be up to 70% better than conventional cars and 50% better than buses and trains.
Structure Comparison
With the inherent technical and operational characteristics of GRT, its pathways can run fully overhead, underground, on the ground surface, or suitable combination of all three configurations with segregated GRT pathways separated from road traffic. Owing to automation that enables safe operation with minimal separation, the GRT vehicle design inherently entails relatively simpler structures and lighter weights. The support and conveyance systems also involve relatively less heavy-duty constructions, and hence comparatively lower financial investments, in comparison to those for conventional vehicles and municipal roads. For transit through a combination of developed and green-field zones, potential GRT systems can expectedly be built with a combination of overhead and at-grade guideways, guided by the above-mentioned segregation configuration to realize GRT’s advantages over traditional buses, trams, cars and other non-automated transport modalities, in terms of technical capacity, economics and operational characteristics.
Comfort Comparison
Without complex machinery and heavy structures, GRT vehicles can be spaciously designed for functionality, with space provision for shopping carts and luggage, for instance, and heating and air conditioning provisions if necessary. For same reason, they can be fitted with generously large windows to facilitate the enjoyment of scenery along the route, with elegant appearances that embed the modern look and feel of advanced cities. Its inherent safety feature is multifold better than conventional cars, with far greater comfort and serenity to travel by. It also has the flexibility to provide individualized travel services, avoiding crowding of public carriages; passengers can even ride with pre-selected companions on pre-designated vehicles, with improved privacy and security of luggage .
Construction Cost Comparison
GRT comprise driverless vehicles typically travelling on dedicated 1.5-meter-wide pathways. The vehicles can run at-grade or via overhead guideways, within or around buildings, entailing platforms that may be added by on-demand basis within relatively short construction durations, greatly facilitating passengers’ convenience. Unlike buses, cars, light rail and other conventional transport modalities, it requires relatively smaller-scale relocation and closure of the affected sites and surrounding areas for construction. As the GRT pathways and their supporting structures and platforms are relatively light-weight and easier to build and modify, its cost investments are potentially lower compared to traditional transport systems yet possessing greater system flexibility. GRT systems can theoretically be built with minimal impact on original buildings and road facilities, with inherently lesser difficulty of facility reinstatement. After the system is established, extensions, upgrades and optimization can also be carried out relatively simply by suitable replacement of vehicles and equipment.
Convenience Comparison
If designed with appropriate comprehensive infrastructure, GRT passengers can enjoy point-to-point transportation services. After the passenger has chosen the destination on the platform, the control system can expeditiously dispatch the vehicle at a specified time on a designated route and location to fulfill the passenger’s need punctually, free from traffic jams, and safe from collision risks. In special circumstances, the control system can even dispatch vacant vehicles to serve the dedicated need of the passengers. Since GRT is under intelligent control, waiting time would be negligible, possibly with 95% of the passengers receiving the service within 30 seconds. As the vehicle can be demand-automated without need for intermediate stops, travel time can be reduced by 60% in comparison with traditional travel using buses, cars, light rail, etc. Greater reliability and comfort of travel will be enjoyed by the passengers, giving them greater certainty in estimating travel time.
Noise Comparison
While conventional motorized vehicles produce serious noise pollution, GRT systems produce very low or nearly no noise pollution, in line with environmental protection requirements.