Patent ID: 6668729
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: B61B,B62D,E01B,E01C

Abstract:
A transit system, comprising:a) a plurality of autonomous vehicles; b) a plurality of guideway modules, each having a longitudinal axis, disposed end-to-end to form a continuous guideway for the autonomous vehicles, each module including: i. a riding surface with a transit lane and a transition lane; ii. portals, disposed in a side of the modules, configured to allow the autonomous vehicles to enter or leave the guideway in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis; c) a plurality of ports, each disposed adjacent to a selected portal, configured to allow the autonomous vehicles to enter or leave the guideway through the selected portal; and d) wherein the plurality of autonomous vehicles are configured to allow: iii. independent guidance and control of the autonomous vehicle by a driver when outside the guideway; iv. automatic guidance and control of the autonomous vehicle during ingress and egress through the selected portal; and v. automatic guidance and control of the autonomous vehicle as part of a controllably interconnected â€œtrainâ€  of vehicles within the guideway.