UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Media release
Sustainable transport for the future

How would commuters like to travel on public transport where they want, when they want without harm to the environment? This is the subject of a free public lecture in Bristol by a leading advanced transport engineer.

The lecture, called 'ULTra: sustainable urban light transport', will be given by Martin Lowson, Bristol University Professor of Advanced Transport, at 6 pm on Tuesday 30 April in Lecture Theatre 1, School of Chemistry, Cantocks Close, Bristol.

ULTra is a new form of public transport which, in contrast to all other types, is available on demand, and goes non-stop to any station on its own guideway network.

ULTra also offers massive benefits in energy, emissions and resource usage compared to all current forms of transport, both private and public.

The ULTra (Urban Light Transport) system was developed from work started at the University in 1995, led by Professor Lowson. The aim of the pioneering work was to provide considerably improved transport for the passenger together with a substantially better environment for the community in the new century.

During his lecture Professor Lowson will cover the rationale for the project and recent developments. The prototype ULTra vehicle will also be on display.

Professor Lowson, commenting on ULTra, said: 'The principles of public transport have remained unchanged for over 200 years.

'The public is expected to travel together, along predetermined routes and at prescheduled times. ULTra breaks this transport model to provide public transport which takes individuals or small groups where they want to go, when they want to.'

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Email: public-relations@bristol.ac.uk
Copyright: 2001 The University of Bristol, UK
Updated: Tuesday, 23-Apr-2002 16:55:58 BST