At the award ceremony which took place in London on the 3rd October, Ultra Global’s Heathrow pod was Highly Commended in the ‘UK Project’ category of the Light Rail Awards 2012.
This builds on a successful year for Ultra: in early 2012, the Pods were awarded the top prize at the British Parking Awards for transport innovation, as well as a London Transport Award for Most Innovative Transport Project.
Further success was achieved at the Global Air Rail Awards, where Heathrow pod won the Innovation of the Year award, and most recently the pods have been announced as the winner of the Most Innovative Service at the Best in Britain awards of The Great Exhibition 2012.
Launched at Terminal 5 in April 2011, Heathrow pod is a network of 21 low-energy, battery powered, driverless, zero emission, transport vehicles. They carry four passengers and their luggage along a dedicated 3.8km guide way between the main terminal and its business car parks. Each pod is controlled by an internal computer and onboard sensor systems.
This year, the Pods will carry their ½ millionth passenger and continues to grow in popularity with several countries lining up to use the advanced technology. Work has started on the project to deliver the world’s first urban PRT system in Amritsar, India.
The Heathrow pod was showcased at the Global Business Summit on Infrastructure this year as an example of the best of British business to the world to develop strong international partnerships for future growth. The event drew delegates from Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Russia and Ghana.
For more information on the Light Rail Awards click here.
