Four new automated people mover (APM) vehicles entered passenger service at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on June 5. The vehicles, manufactured by Alstom, a rolling stock and rail services provider, are the first of 63 Innovia APM R cars that will replace the airport’s older vehicles and expand its fleet to 73 cars.
The larger fleet, combined with guideway improvements, will let the airport run trains more frequently, reducing wait times and crowding for travellers.
The driverless Innovia APM operates on existing APM systems without requiring extensive retrofits. Designed to offer quick and convenient service for travelers between airport terminals, to and from airports, or within cities, the third-generation Innovia APM R vehicles are quieter, easier to maintain and more energy efficient than earlier models. They offer advanced door safety systems with obstacle detection, updated video information screens, and improved lighting.
The company has supplied more than 30 APM systems globally. Thirteen are operating in airports.
Alstom also completed infrastructure upgrades to improve the system’s performance. A new turnback allows trains to switch direction without impeding the train behind it. This allows trains to safely run every 90 seconds during peak periods, 17 seconds faster than in the past.