Coming back around: PRT celebrates 50th anniversary🎉

PRT Celebrates 50 Years of Service and Innovation

 

The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, a symbol of innovation and convenience, is marking its 50th anniversary this year. Launched in 1975, the PRT has become an integral part of transportation history, particularly at West Virginia University, where it has served generations of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Known for its distinctive electric-powered cars running on elevated guideways, the system was one of the first of its kind in the world and continues to stand as a model for efficient, sustainable urban transport.

 

Over the last five decades, the PRT has logged millions of rides and earned a reputation not just as a mode of transportation, but as a defining piece of the WVU experience. For many alumni, taking a ride on the PRT is a cherished memory tied to their time on campus. Its reliability, ease of use, and unique design have made it a point of pride for the university and the surrounding community.

 

The 50th anniversary celebration highlights the system’s enduring legacy and future potential. University officials and local leaders point to the PRT as a forward-thinking solution that was ahead of its time—an early example of green transportation long before sustainability became a global priority. With its electric power and reduced carbon footprint, the system remains relevant in today’s conversations about clean energy and efficient commuting.

 

Events commemorating the milestone include guided tours, public exhibits, and stories shared by longtime riders and operators. The celebrations serve as both a look back at the system’s historic contributions and a look forward at how the PRT model can inspire future transit innovations.

 

Fifty years on, the PRT continues to symbolize progress, community, and the spirit of innovation. Its anniversary is not only a celebration of the past but also a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead.

 

 

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