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Japan 2005 Expo to use futuristic transit system

Expo visitors will be transported by Toyota's Intelligent Multimode Transit System, featuring non-mechanically linked vehicles moving in a platoon formation.

July 10, 2003
1 min to read


Toyota Motor Corp. will provide on-site transportation for the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan, using advanced transportation technologies. Expo visitors will be transported by Toyota's Intelligent Multimode Transit System, which features non-mechanically linked vehicles moving in a platoon formation. The train-like but rail-less set of vehicles is based on the latest intelligent transport technology that allows for unmanned operation on dedicated roads as well as manual operation on ordinary roads. The system uses magnets that are embedded in the roads to serve as lane identification markers and information is exchanged electronically between the vehicles so that they move at the same speed and stop at terminals automatically, reported Reuters. Four sets of three compressed natural gas powered vehicles, which can travel up to 20 mph and carry 50 passengers per unit, will be used at the Expo.

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