Heathrow airport’s state-of-the-art Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) system has taken a step closer after the completion of the first phase of construction. 3.8km of steel and concrete guideways are now in place between Heathrow Terminal 5 and the Business car park.

At a cost of £25million, Heathrow’s PRT system will consist of 18 low-energy, battery powered, driverless vehicles each capable of transporting up to four passengers and their luggage between the car park and the terminal.

The new PRT transport system – the first commercial system to be installed in the world – should be up and running transporting its first passengers in the autumn of 2009.

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