Innovative technologies for the public transportation in the urban mobility plan of Padova

The reorganization of Padova public transportation system, established in the Urban Mobility Plan, aims at the development of three main lines along the north-south, east-west e north-south/east directions. The choice of advanced intermediate capacity rubber-tyred transport systems with guided running mode seems to be particularly suitable for Padova town planning, due to their favourable technical and economical characteristics. In fact their supply and traction systems ensure low air and noise emissions, while the inherent flexibility related to both the guidance and the supply modes allows efficient operation even in presence of other vehicles or obstacles along the critical route sections of the lines. Moreover the supply flexibility makes the lines easily compatible with historical-architectural structures. At present the first line is getting into construction and it is expected it will be put into operation by autumn 2003.