CHALLENGES OF AGING APMs

摘要

The first Automated People Mover (APM) Systems were pioneered and placed intornpassenger service in the early 70s. Since the 70s, numerous systems have since beenrnconstructed all over the world from simple shuttles to complex pinched loop systems withrnautomated coupling. Some of these early systems have recently been upgraded orrnreplaced. However, the majority of APM systems share the common issue that they arernaging and are approaching the end of their initial design life. As the APM systems getrnolder it is important for owners to anticipate the near and long term challenges that willrnlikely be faced. These challenges may be in the form of mechanical systems reaching thernend of their useful life, degradation in reliability with the accompanying increase inrnmaintenance costs, or increasing or changing passenger service demands. The decisionsrnon the scope of an aging system upgrade may range from replacement of selected systemrncomponents to complete vehicle refurbishment or entire wayside system replacement.rnThis paper explores the challenges of maintaining these aging systems and explores thernupgrade or replacement decision process and alternatives. Case studies will be exploredrnfor APM System refurbishment or replacements as part of the following projects tornillustrate how other owners have undertaken the challenge of upgrading or replacing theirrnaging systems.