WVU’s Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system is celebrating 50 years of service this year. Launched in the 1970s, the PRT was an innovative idea meant to connect different parts of the West Virginia University campus in Morgantown.
The PRT runs on 8.7 miles of dedicated tracks, linking five key stations: Walnut, Beechurst, Engineering, Towers, and Health Sciences. It’s known for its unique on-demand service, allowing riders to bypass stops and reach their destination more directly. With speeds up to 33 mph, a full trip from one end to the other takes just 11.5 minutes.
Jeremy Evans, the WVU Transportation Director, noted that the PRT was initially intended to last only 10 years. “It’s incredible that it has endured so long, thanks to our dedicated maintenance staff,” he said. In its lifetime, the PRT has provided over 100 million rides, significantly easing traffic in Morgantown. Today, around 12,000 people use the system daily, with a reliability rate over 98%.
The PRT was the first large-scale automated transit system in the U.S., and it remains unmatched in efficiency. “No other system operates quite like this,” Evans emphasized, showcasing its unique on-demand feature.
To celebrate this milestone, WVU is hosting a series of events from November 3 to 8. Visitors can take guided tours of the PRT Central operations, view a historical display at the West Virginia and Regional History Center, and explore a special exhibit at the university bookstore.
Looking to the future, Evans mentioned potential upgrades, including battery-powered vehicles that could extend the PRT’s reach beyond its guideway. “The possibilities are exciting,” he said. “We aim to keep evolving and stay ahead in transportation technology.”
As the PRT marks this golden anniversary, it reminds us of the creativity and forward-thinking spirit that defines the Mountaineer community. For more insights into the history and impact of the PRT, check this extensive resource from the University’s website.
