FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a transport system and more particularly to an elevated public transport system. Further, the present invention relates to public transportation in the urban transit industry and specifically to a city rapid transit system capable of attaining a higher person per hour per direction capacity matching elevated urban rail rapid transportation. Thus the present invention is an improvement in mass transportation which reduces congestion, energy consumption and air pollution, thus making public transport very attractive.

BACKGROUND OF ART

Traditional and contemporary public transport systems are run in underground tunnels, on grade (at ground level) or on elevated guide ways. These systems generally run on rails or other specialized tracks or carriage ways. Road based public transport systems share the right of way with other modes of transport such as cars and two wheelers. The issues of road construction and traffic capacity of streets and trunk roads in big cities are of a special importance among the road and traffic problems. The same problems arise on the motorways that connect large cities to the recreation areas and compact residential locations. When streets and roads are reconstructed by the conventional methods, a roadway is inevitably blocked completely or narrowed, such that an already complicated road situation is further exacerbated, as congestions grow worse both on the reconstructed roads and construction-free neighboring streets or roads. All the current transport systems utilize non-renewable resources such as oil, coal, and nuclear technologies. To create such transport system requires an immense amount of energy input. For example, people use vehicles every day which burn great quantities of fuel. This system is flawed when looked at from the viewpoint of sustainably and responsibly utilizing global resources. The amount of oil and resources utilized to transport goods and people is astronomical and there is a need to reduce the same. Maintaining and developing roads and highways in our world requires substantial time and resources. Roads require large amounts of prime real-estate. Some attempts have been made in the past to deal with overcoming the stated limitations of the prior art such as those disclosed in the following:

The U.S. Patent 2006/0196385 discloses an elevated bus transport system, wherein the elevated bus is movable along the elevated guideway above a road lane on which normal vehicular traffic moves, which is suspended on plurality of space support columns. Passenger lift stations enclosing movable platforms are provided for transferring the passengers from ground level to the level of the elevated bus and vice versa. Whereas in the present invention, the buses are noπnal buses running at grade and not attached to the guideways. The buses are movable on the elevated road where elevated bus stops also are provided which are accessed through elevators, escalators and stairways.

CA979837 provides for an elevated transport system consisting of a monorail track, supported by pylons at relatively short intervals, and a conveyor chain riding on the track. The conveyor chain consists of self propelled trolleys travelling at constant speed over a course with a direction reversing element at each end. This invention does not related to automobile transportation as in the present invention and is more like a ropeway transportation system.

GB 1248475 discloses a new or improved transport system supported on and which is guided by a track comprising a pair of laterally spaced rails, in which system vehicles requiring leaving or joining the tracks pass between the said pair of rails, whereas the present invention is intended for normal buses and other vehicles of any kind.

GB 1215693 relates to improvements in or relating to a route selection system for pneumatic tyred vehicle wherein buses that operate on public road are joined to a privileged express track where it is guided automatically. A track for automatically -guided passenger-carrying pneumatic-tyred vehicles comprising a plurality of radial tracks interconnected by an inner ring of circumjacent spiral tracks is provided. The present invention is partly elevated and the buses are semi automatically guided at all times. The routes are not fixed and can vary according to the city design. A Fixed platform is provided and buses have to stop at stations. There are no exclusive tracks, and other vehicles can also use the tracks in emergencies. WO 2009135280 refers to developed improvement of an elevated track, to support and serve as a duct for a pneumatic propulsion system for transportation vehicles, for cargo or passengers wherein the elevated track can be supported by pillars positioned under the side walkways and alternatively can be suspended by vertical tie rods fastened on the side walkways. It uses "I" beam shaped rails as used on the rail roads which is not so in the present invention. The Guideways or elevated roads of the present invention are meant for normal buses and are purposed to only support the buses and is not part of any propulsion.

US 5456183 relates to a an elevated transit systems being incorporated into current suburban and urban infrastructures which is designed to have a light structural track system carrying lightweight vehicles, the transit vehicles being designed to be lightweight and compact height, whereas the present invention is intended for normal buses, running on elevated roadways.

WO 2005063544 discloses a multifunctional transport system based on an automobile, mainly highway-type road elevated above a railway comprising a railway line provided with a rail track, an automobile road mounted on pillars between which a roadway is placed on bearing beams and disposed above and along the railway line also comprising a suspended monorail transport means whereas, the present invention is a people transport system employing current buses on

Dedicated elevated tracks or elevated roads.

US 6564721 refer to human and cargo transportation systems that operate on rail structures that may be elevated above the ground whereas, in the present invention no rail structures are used and it relates to elevated system running on guideways or elevated road. Thus it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to transportation systems and methods. It is to the provision of improved systems and methods of transportation meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The basic object of the present invention is thus directed to provide an elevated public transport system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an urban rapid transit system capable of attaining a higher person per hour per direction capacity matching mass rapid transit systems such as Metro.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide an enhancement to the current bus based people mover system with the potential of evolving into a full fledged mass rapid transit system which thereby reduce congestion, energy consumption and air pollution and making bus transport very attractive.

It is still further an object of the present invention to provide an elevated public transport system which can be constructed over medians of roads or over side walks / foot paths at grade, over parks, private or public properties in the air with minimal space on ground for piers and foundations.

It is still further an object of the present invention to provide for an elevated public transport system, wherein additional capacity is created and existing roads on grade can be used for private cars and two-wheelers, or personalized public transport such as autos.

It is still further an object of the present invention to provide for an elevated public transport system, wherein dedicated roads for public transport ensure segregation from other modes of transport allowing higher average speeds, reducing accidents and increasing reliability as they do not have jams and hindrances.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an elevated public transport system wherein the system can be linked to other conventional public transport systems such as metro, monorail, personalized public transport vehicles, etc and to integrate with suitable clearing house based 'single-ticket' facilities.

It is still further an object of the present invention to provide an elevated public transport system wherein, the system can be used for single decker or double decker carriages.

It is further an object of the present invention to commercially exploit the space over or under the elevated roads which can be conceived in densely urbanized areas and premium localities. It is farther an object of the present invention to provide for additional lanes for stopping and passing in stations to cater to high speed and non-stop services in conjunction with all-stop services.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide intelligent technology to track and synchronize movements of all the rolling stocks. It is further an object of the present invention to juxtapose loops at one or more common interchange stations for passengers to change lines and travel to stations which are not on the current loop.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide additional lanes for stopping and passing in stations to cater to high speed and non-stop services in conjunction with all-stop services.

It is further an object of the present invention to accommodate ordinary vehicles during peak hours to supplement the carrying capacity of rolling stocks during off peak loads.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Thus the basic aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system for transporting people and/ or goods comprising:

1. elevated roads/guideways;

2. a series of pneumatic tyre based rolling stock/carriages running on an arrangement of dedicated elevated roads/guideways and lanes;

3. elevated stops /stations with access ways through escalators, staircases and lifts for boarding and alighting of passengers;

4. skywalks and foot over bridges (FOB);

5. elevated up and down road ramps at approaches and exits to stations; and

6. gradients, wherein the rolling stocks are normal vehicles running at grade, wherein the rolling stocks arc not attached to the elevated roads/guideways or suspended, wherein the rolling stock employs a guidance system of mechanical, electrical, or magnetic type, wherein the boarding and alighting of passengers are at elevated way side stations,

wherein the elevated roads can be an open one way and two way alignments or in closed alignments foπning endless one way loops with a series of elevated stops for passengers to board and depart; and

wherein the system provides segregation from other modes of transport on grade.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the rolling stock includes single vehicles which run independently or in a convoy of vehicles or as a train.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein a GPS or other intelligent locating and signaling technology are provided.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the loops are juxtaposed with other loops at one or more common interchange stations.

In the above said invention, the gradients can be used to slow down vehicles while approaching stations and conversely for accelerating vehicles on exiting the stations.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the elevated road runs as double lanes adjacent to one another to cater for north bound and south bound transport.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the system provides for additional lanes for stopping and passing in stations.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport, wherein the system accommodates ordinary vehicles during peak hours.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport, wherein the elevated roads and stations have roof mounted solar panels to generate electricity. Also in the system according to the present invention, the rolling stocks operates electrically on grade by tapping power from overhead power lines or side / bottom mounted bus bars through pantographs.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the electricity generated can be from any renewable energy source.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the rolling stocks operate on power from battery storage which is recharged from power tapped from overhead power lines or from side / base mounted bus bars.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein batteries on board the rolling stock can be charged from regenerative braking.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the batteries are charged when the rolling stocks reach stations through pantographs mounted on the vehicles connected to the intermittent power lines or bus bars.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the battery bank is charged at stations or replaces en masse using quick change arrangements in the stations.

In the above said invention, the power from the battery bank is transmitted to the vehicles through over head wires.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the system is tied to the grid and surplus power is traded.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the system has super capacitors for alternate storage systems and inductors for rapid charging of storage devices.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the system has fixed positions of stations and platforms. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the system is used for single decker or double decker carriages.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the elevated roads and stations are built using light weight, steel intensive 'off-site' pre- fabricated structures.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the system has vehicle lifts to transfer rolling stock to and from the grade in case of absence of ramps.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an elevated public transport system, wherein the last mile connectivity is achieved by providing electrically operated personalized public transport which are docked and recharged at stations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Figure 1 : Illustrates the elevated road transport system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

The present invention as discussed hereinbefore relates to an elevated public transport system and specifically to a city rapid transit system capable of attaining a higher person per hour per direction capacity matching elevated urban rail rapid transportation. The present invention is thus an improvement in mass transportation which provides an enhancement to the current bus based people mover system with the potential of evolving into a full fledged mass rapid transit system. Advantageously, this transportation enhancement will reduce congestion, energy consumption and air pollution thus making bus transport very attractive.

Reference is first invited to accompanying figure 1 which illustrates an elevated road transport system comprising:

1. Elevated roads/guideways.

2. Pneumatic tyre based rolling stocks. 3. Elevated stations, with access ways, escalators, staircases and lifts.

4. Skywalks / Foot Over Bridges (FOB).

5. Station / Foot Over Bridges (FOB) Roof mounted solar panels.

6. Elevated road ramps near stations.

7. Shops and Kiosks / Commercial space.

According to the present invention, the elevated roads/guideways and station structures are implemented by using light weight, steel intensive 'off-site' pre-fabrication techniques thereby minimizing damage to the existing infrastructure. The elevated roads/guideways are purposed to only support the vehicles and is not part of any propulsion. The propulsion is by normal onboard IC engine or on-board electric engines. The public transport system, utilizes a series of pneumatic tyre based rolling stock/carriages, running on dedicated elevated roads for transporting people and or goods.

The rolling stock according to the present invention consists of:

a. Normal vehicles with internal combustion (IC) engines;

b. Hybrid vehicles using IC engines and electrical motors engines;

c. Specialized trolley vehicles running purely on electrical power; and

d. Fuel Cell vehicles with electrical motor engines.

The rolling stocks are normal vehicles as mentioned above. The rolling stock can be single vehicles which run independently or in a convoy of up to 3 or 4 vehicles, or as a train of vehicles up to 3 or 4 with a single driver. Further, the system is used for single decker or double decker carriages. Advantageously, these rolling stocks are not attached to the elevated roads/guideways or suspended. The driver changes the direction of the vehicle using the steering mechanism. Importantly, a GPS based locating and signaling technology is provided to track all rolling stock and to synchronize movements. The rolling stock employs a guidance system of mechanical, electrical, or magnetic type which will be retrofitted on the roads/guideways to improve travel times and decrease driver error. The guidance system is on the internal of the track not continuously attached to the track. The elevated public transport system is constructed over medians of roads or over sidewalks / foot paths at grade, over parks, private or public properties in the air with minimal space on ground for piers and foundations. The guideways or elevated roads are to only support the rolling stocks and is not part of any propulsion. The elevated roads is single lane closed alignments forming endless one way loops with a series of elevated stops for passengers to board and depart. The loops are juxtaposed with other loops at one or more common interchange stations for passengers to change lines and travel to stations which are not on the current loop. The elevated roads also run as double lanes adjacent to one another that cater for north bound and south bound transport with suitable turntables or turnpikes at ends to reverse the direction of travel at the ends. The bus stops or stations for pick up and drop off of passengers are generally elevated at the level of the elevated roads/guideways but it can also be at grade for dedicated lane based segments with access way from grade (ground) level through elevators, escalators and stairways.

The elevated roads and stations have roof mounted solar panels to generate electricity which is a renewable source of energy. The elevated public transport system can support station based personalized electrically operated public transport systems in the neighborhood. The vehicles operates electrically on grade to provide last mile connectivity both at origins and destinations 'on call' basis. Such augmented transport systems could be called from any neighborhoods and can offer additional services as single ticketing for end-to-end journeys.

The electrically operated vehicles tap power from overhead power lines or side / bottom mounted bus bars through pantographs or other appropriate mechanism, to run without any pollution or noise. The vehicles also operate on power from battery storage which is recharged from power tapped from overhead power lines or from side / base mounted bus bars and ultimately by under floor induction charging. The batteries are charged when the vehicles reach stations and stops through regenerative braking and through pantographs mounted on the vehicles connected to the intermittent power lines or bus bars. Advantageously, the battery banks can also be charged in stations and the power is transmitted to the vehicles through over head wires and replaced en masse in the vehicles with quick change arrangements and the discharged batteries can be plugged in for recharging and so on. The system is tied to the grid, whereby the power generated from the system is traded. Moreover, the system provides for super capacitors for alternate storage systems and inductors for rapid charging of storage devices.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the system is linked to other conventional public transport systems such as metro, monorail, personalized public transport vehicles, etc and to integrate with suitable clearing house based 'single-ticket' facilities. The dedicated roads for public transport ensure segregation from other modes of transport on grade allowing higher average speeds, reducing accidents and increasing reliability at both levels. An additional capacity is created and the existing roads on grade are used for private cars and two- wheelers, or personalized public transport such as autos. Additional lanes are provided for stopping and passing in stations to cater to high speed and non-stop services in conjunction with all-stop services. The system is designed to accommodate ordinary vehicles which normally run on grade during peak hours to supplement the carrying capacity of dedicated hybrid or trolley vehicles designed for off peak loads only which are running only on the elevated roads.

In the present system, the elevated roads ramp up near stations to provide clearance for skywalks and concourses and to provide suitable gradients to slow down vehicles while approaching stations and conversely for accelerating vehicles on exiting the stations. Moreover, specialized vehicle lifts are provided to transfer rolling stock to and from the grade in case of absence of ramps. Thus the elevated roads do not require frequent ramps as in conventional elevated roads and the expressways for private .vehicles. Further, the system commercially exploits the space over the elevated roads which can be conceived in densely urbanized areas and premium localities. Advantageously, the routes are not fixed and can vary according to the city design. Moreover, the system has fixed platform and buses have to stop at stations for passengers to board and depart.

Thus the present invention is an improvement in mass transportation which reduces congestion, energy consumption and air pollution thus making bus transport very attractive.