Private investments in transportation can be profitable. The Horizontal Development Process (HDP), employing a specialized form of people-mover as a Horizontal Elevator (H*E), maximizes the development potential, reduces the risk of high costs or low investment return. An HDP guide with independent financial appraisals including proforma data and preliminary UTAG (Urban Transportation Action Grants) legislation will be prepared as a Phase I project. Phase II should be the distribution of the information to city planners, transit authorities, private developers, and the selection of a demonstration project in a major city and the development of final recommended UTAG legislation. This overall project can result in a major reduction in public transit costs and an increase in how far UMTA funds can go. Most important, it will initiate a new method of integrating with one another private developments which supply public transit up to 24 hours a day with no need for fare collection.Anticipated results/potential commerical applications of results:General application of HDP by private developers will provide free transit links between urban and suburban modes of activity; increased patronage on public transit systems touching Horizontal Elevator (H*E) intercept locations; reduced highway congestion between urban and suburban modes of activity; and reduced public transit between the most expensive areas to service.
