Safe and Effective in Every Season: How uST Transport Defies Weather Conditions

Statistics show that with the arrival of autumn, there is an increase in road accidents. Rain, fog, and reduced daylight hours worsen visibility, while highways are periodically covered in ice. These and other factors contribute to the rise in accidents. Meanwhile, uST transport effectively overcomes these seasonal challenges. 

Unmanned and above-ground

The issue of poor road visibility impacts both conventional ground transport and unmanned vehicles. Precipitation and fog hinder technical systems from recognizing road signs, markings, traffic signals, and identifying objects on the road.

The advantage of uST transport lies in its elevated string rail track structure, which eliminates the risk of collisions with pedestrians, other vehicles, and animals. Additionally, the vision system (cameras, radars, sensors) implemented in uPods at this "second level" effectively handles tasks in all weather conditions and visibility scenarios.

Unaffected by Autumn Skid

In the autumn, road surfaces become hazardous not just because of ice. Drizzle, combined with dust and residual fuel, creates a slick film that causes cars to skid.

Streetcar drivers also face a similar issue known as the autumn skid. Fallen leaves cover the rails and, under pressure from the wheels, form a greasy layer that makes the streetcar slide as if on ice. As a result, drivers must reduce their speed to brake safely, leading to delays, especially during rush hours.

In contrast, precipitation and fallen leaves don’t accumulate on the string rail, which is less than 10 centimeters wide. Any ice that forms is easily cracked by the steel wheels of uPods. uST vehicles are also equipped with an anti-derailment system, preventing them from tipping or overturning. Even with the sudden weather changes common in autumn, uST transport ensures reliable passenger and cargo transit at speeds of up to 150 km/h.

Always alert

Shorter daylight hours reduce the concentration of both drivers and pedestrians. Autumn, in particular, requires extra caution on the roads due to limited visibility and slippery surfaces.

An automated control system (ACS) ensures the safe operation of uPods. It manages the route, speed, and intervals of the electric rail vehicles, coordinates all elements of the transportation infrastructure, and monitors conditions both inside and outside the cabin. The ACS transmits real-time data to the dispatcher, who primarily oversees the system's operation. Human influence is minimized, as the transport is controlled by a system that never gets tired.

Crosses washed-out and flooded roads

In the autumn, it rains all the time, eroding dirt roads outside cities. As a result, buses and cars carrying people and goods get stuck in the mud and cannot reach their destination. Sometimes during this period, they even impose traffic restrictions to prevent the roads from getting even worse.

The situation is aggravated by the autumn flood. Due to heavy rains, overflowing rivers can flood not only streets and pedestrian crossings, but also railroads. As a result, transportation has to be freed from water captivity.

The uST track structure is situated up to 10 meters above the ground, allowing the uPods to cross flooded areas and washed-out roads. The supporting towers of the string rail overpass can be spaced up to 2,000 meters apart, ensuring that transportation remains unaffected even by rivers overflowing after autumn rains. Additionally, the towers are easy and cost-effective to install on virtually any type of soil, including swampy terrain.

Truly all-season transportation 

UST Inc. rail electric vehicles do not require resource-intensive preparations for cold weather, unlike traditional transportation. In uPods, a special onboard device automatically regulates the cabin temperature and creates a comfortable climate for passengers, regardless of external weather conditions. Additionally, warm stations contribute to a pleasant journey.

The exclusion of accidents caused by deteriorating weather conditions, resistance to adverse climatic factors, an automated transportation process, and the ability to operate in flooded areas all contribute to making uST transport an effective and practical solution year-round.