Driverless elevated transport in Kiruna

Elisabet Idar Angelov of WSP presented a study of PRT in Kiruna. Photo: Magdalena Martinsson/Radio Sweden

by Magdalena Martinsson, SR Norrbotten

There is a commitment by Swedish Rail and business development group Progressum with WSP Analysis & Strategy to provide a plan for a three mile long rail network for traffic among the LKAB company facility, the city center, residential areas and the airport.

The rail looks like a level roller coaster about three to five meters up in the air. The driverless electric vehicles hold four persons and resemble miniature subway cars.

There would be 100 vehicles running 24 hours. Passengers would jump in and choose with a button the station they want to go to.

When the relocation of the town center toward Mt. Luossavaara [to counter mining subsidence] arrives, Kiruna will become a bigger city. The fear is that car usage will increase enormously by then. But PRT can be a solution.

Background

Audio: Spårtaxi lämpligt för Kiruna Kiruna mine Kiruna (Wikipedia)

"I believe many would select this mode of travel instead of the car, as that is becoming more expensive every day. PRT is environmentally friendly, safe and has at most a minute wait time, so accessibility will be huge," said Mayor Kenneth Stålnacke (Social Democratic).

But the crucial question to get this accomplished is money. Rail and vehicles will cost two billion kronor [$325 million].

"We must try to get external financing from business, government and the EU," said Stålnacke.

It would be an estimated 1 1/2 to 2 years after start of construction until the rail system is ready for use.