Variable speed moving walkway as a public transport mode

Abstract

Motorized and electric vehicles play an indispensable role in the public transport system, but drawbacks like overcrowding, waiting time, noise and air pollutions are considerable which diminish the social and economic benefits. In view of the potential uplifting of operation speed of moving walkway and the current extensive application in the world, multi-lane variable speed moving walkway is appraised quantitatively in this research by applying Cost-Benefit Analysis with adoption of secondary source of data obtained from academic publications and local / foreign authorities based on the hypothetical case in Hong Kong. The results of net present value, benefit-cost ratio, internal rate of return and payback period demonstrate that this innovative facility is economically viable as a public transport mode which is also justified by the PEST analysis in a qualitative basis. Several variables and parameters like forecasted patronage and walking journey time are identified to test the associated sensitivity against the appraisal result which are valuable in determining the risk of implementing this new transport mode. Finally, the 3km section of existing Light Rail to be substituted by the unprecedented travellator system under the aforesaid hypothetical case is also studied by demonstrating the overall negative benefit which justifies the proposed replacement. In conclusion, the futuristic variable speed moving walkway as an environmentally friendly public transport mode is highly recommended under the rapid-changing environment to aid managing the demand for road use and improve people’s healthiness with appropriate transport and health policies.