Skip to main content

Dutch companies work together on automated people mover

Dutch companies Benteler Engineering Services and transit systems developer 2getthere have teamed up to work on the engineering of the third generation Group Rapid Transit (GRT) people mover vehicle, which will feature all-wheel steering, allowing for even better control of the vehicle and shorter radii in addition to being able to ‘crab’, or drive sideways, at stations. With the system being capable of carrying 5,000 passengers per hour per direction, the companies claim it is an affordable alternative
July 29, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Dutch companies 8171 Benteler Engineering Services and transit systems developer 8172 2getthere have teamed up to work on the engineering of the third generation Group Rapid Transit (GRT) people mover vehicle, which will feature all-wheel steering, allowing for even better control of the vehicle and shorter radii in addition to being able to ‘crab’, or drive sideways, at stations.

With the system being capable of carrying 5,000 passengers per hour per direction, the companies claim it is an affordable alternative to the heavier automated people mover systems. Along with the bi-directional capability of the GRT vehicle, 2getthere has introduced doors on both sides of the vehicle and the ability to operate at a higher maximum speed. Benteler Engineering Services will be responsible for the engineering of both the chassis and the body of the GRT vehicle, with the IP being owned by 2getthere.

Carel van Helsdingen, CEO of 2getthere, comments: “With the market for automated systems seeing a rapid growth in the number of interested projects, we were looking for a partner that brings automotive knowledge, German workmanship and Dutch entrepreneurship to the table. We believe the combination of these qualities is represented in Benteler Engineering Services.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • AV/ridesharing mix wins major auto investment
    May 5, 2016
    The US has a new trend in personal mobility and David Crawford takes a closer look. US automaker General Motors and ridesharer Lyft’s announcement of a strategic partnership aimed at delivering, over time, an integrated network of on-demand autonomous as well as conventional vehicles has taken the nation’s car industry from traditional manufacturing to new arenas.
  • Bombardier delivers Bangkok monorails
    October 13, 2020
    Manufacturer also developing APM system for Thailand's driverless mass transit system 
  • Wi-Fi win-win for mass transit
    October 31, 2014
    David Crawford explores passenger and operator benefits of on-board Wi-Fi Urban commuters’ growing demand for continuous – and reliable - internet connectivity is spurring network operators into the rapid installation of high-grade Wi-Fi access on their surface and underground networks, as well as in their stations. Such moves are often a key part of strategies to maintain and increase ridership levels.
  • Bringing AI into ITS: Artificial realities
    May 21, 2025
    AI can have a positive transformative effect on transportation safety and efficiency – but if you want creativity you still need a person, says Huawei