Advanced Commuter Rail System
 Kirstin Henderson, CEO
 MegaRail Transportation Systems, Inc.

Presentation describes an advanced, electrically powered, ultra-light, affordable, 85-mph elevated commuter rail system designed for installation along the sides of urban area freeways on existent right of way.  System provides service for both traditional pedestrian commuter rail passengers and for drivers and passengers of ordinary automobiles with those passengers remaining their cars during travel.  Automobiles and their passengers are transported between stations near each end of their trips, thereby reducing driving and related air pollution to a small fraction of normal freeway trips.  System uses rubber-tired vehicles with the wheels and tires operating inside weatherproof guideway rail tubes for very low noise levels, excellent hill climbing and operation under any weather conditions.  Guideway is all stainless steel for long life and pleasing appearance and has two enclosed guideway rail tubes at each side with an open center between the side tubes for minimal shadow on the ground.  A open mesh, stainless steel emergency escape walkway fills the open space between the rails but allows most of the sunlight to pass through. 

The system is intended to provide much faster transportation at lower cost than driving.  It also offers a quick and low-cost means to provide major reductions in freeway traffic, noise, and air pollution.  Because the systems operate as next generation tollways, they can be expected to quickly recover the cost of installation and provide a significant operating profit over O&M costs.  All components of the system are factory-built using highly automated production for minimum cost and to allow for rapid production.  On-site tasks are limited to initial engineering, installation of round reinforced concrete piers followed by placing the factory-built guideway supports and sections on the piers using small cranes. 

Initial systems may operate as manually controlled trains, but the systems will later become fully automated.  At that time, the trains will be separated into individual, automated vehicles that will offer non-stop service for each group of passengers or automobile direct to the destination station.

A production prototype vehicle and a short guideway have been built by MegaRail® in Fort Worth for use in engineering testing and customer demonstrations.