Visions - Fall 2008 - 10

Machinery, Power and IT Group SCOA Delivers Environmentally-Friendly Transportation Today and Beyond Energy Efficient, Low Emission Trains Fast-Track Business To A Cleaner Future I n the transportation industry, the new electric hybrid cars have been receiving most of the spotlight recently in our efforts to protect the global environment, but an unsung hero has been chugging along for years with its own low carbon footprint. Trains are an environmentally-friendly mode of transport because of their energy efficient, low carbon dioxide emissions. In particular, electric trains are presently the most energy-efficient mode of transport. This is due to their energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions being approximately five times smaller than those of passenger cars. For more than 25 years, Sumitomo Corporation of America (SCOA), with its partners, has been building and delivering environmentally-friendly transportation systems such as Automated People Movers (APMs), light rail transit (LRT) and Gallery Type Electrical Multiple Units (EMU) commuter rail cars. These energy efficient, low emission systems have attracted great public enthusiasm as effective means of transport that are friendly to both people and the environment, while solving traffic problems such as congestion, noise and air pollution. Ridership on mass transit has gone up considerably across the nation due to the high cost of fuel. Taking into account the United States’ focus on green initiatives, the next administration in Washington will be encouraged to provide funding for new starts and an expansion of transit systems. According to Mr. Gino Antoniello, Vice President for Transportation Systems, SCOA, “Many experts believe that even during these unpredictable financial times, new starts and the expansion of transit systems will be an economic stimulus.” Additionally, APMs are an effective means of public transit used between terminals in an airport or within a metropolitan area. Sumitomo together with MHIA has successfully installed APM systems at several major airports worldwide including Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. In the United States, the team is building and installing similar systems for the Miami International Airport’s NorthTerminal (November 2010 Completion), Washington-Dulles International Airport (September 2009 Completion) and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (November 2009 Completion). These APM systems consist of Mitsubishi’s Heavy Industries America’s (MHIA) cutting-edge Crystal Mover vehicles which operate practically unattended and are equipped with rubber tires to reduce noise and pollution. “More and more airports are consolidating their traffic patterns, parking many of their fleets, and traveling in a stricter time frame. With more crowds, there is increased recognition of people mover systems for better crowd control and traffic flow at airports,” says Mr.Antoniello. He adds, “These APM systems also provide a tool for improving security at airports.” In September, the SCOA/MHIA Team received a contract to build their second APM system at Miami International Airport (MIA), The MIA Mover, which will run between the airport and an off-airport multi-modal transportation center, The Miami Intermodal Center (MIC). When complete, the system will have two station stops and will connect the air terminals with the MIC – a ground transportation hub that includes transfers to regional rail, bus and rental car facilities. Mr.Antoniello explains, “The system will provide a convenient and reliable means for transporting passengers between MIA and 10 visions Fall 2008
Visions - Fall 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Visions - Fall 2008
