Phoenix opens driverless airport link

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Public officials in Phoenix have cut the ribbon on a new driverless people mover system at the city’s PHX Airport.

The Bombardier-developed airport link is the first in the world to travel over an active taxiway and is high enough for a Boeing 747 to pass underneath.

Bombardier was awarded the contract to design and install the system in 2009.

Once complete, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – one the busiest airports in the US for passenger traffic – will be served by 18 driverless Innovia APM 200 vehicles.

Stage one, which opened yesterday (April 8), connects light rail stations in the city with the airport’s East Economy parking area station and Terminal 4.

The second stage, which will open in 2015, will extend the route from Terminal 4 to Terminal 3, which is a short walk away from Terminal 2.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said: “This is an exciting day for the city of Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“The PHX Sky Train’s connection to light rail paves the way for convenient, multi-modal transportation to and from the airport and is a true point of pride for our city.”

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