Carriers
The carrier for the APM has an ideal capacity of around 15 passengers. Passengers sit on bench seating on three sides of the carrier. Under high demand periods, three or four additional passengers may stand in the center. A wide doorway on the fourth side allows for rapid entry and exit.
The carrier size for the APM is intentionally kept small. A 15 passenger carrier is about the size of a large gondola carrier used in ski areas. Size limitations are placed to control the amount of mass that needs to be safely decelerated in the terminals by the LSM. Carriers of this size has proven to be successful when operated at a 6 second interval. The primary benefit of smaller carriers is to create the operational flexibility that larger carriers cannot provide and smaller turning radius for terminal movement.
The APM carrier has some of the features of a minivan. The air temperature in the carrier is adjusted by the cabin energy control system based on real time input. Low level lighting is provided at night and WFII is always on.
Carriers have two way voice communications with the next hub on the route. A person can call for assistance or simply scream. The voice recognition system will respond. Crime rate in the APM is extremely low because there is no escape options for anyone willing to act inappropriately. Security is always waiting at the next hub.
Power for the carriers is provided by batteries located under the carrier floor. These batteries are constantly being charged by a hot rail when the carrier is in the terminal or parked when out of service.
The carrier hanger (the assembly above the cabin) is different from the typical 3S ropeway design. Ropeway are most common in mountainous areas. The ropeway grade on these installations dictates a long hanger arm to allow for the cabin to hang horizontally while the rope climbs steeply. In urban environments, the grade is most likely flat or have a moderate incline. The expensive hangers increase the cost of terminal.