New transport system for Heathrow

The vehicles can carry four people and their luggage

Work has begun on a new transport system to move passengers around Heathrow Airport.

In the first phase of the Personal Rapid Transit System, 18 of the driverless, low-energy, battery-powered vehicles will be introduced.

Initially they will take people from the new Terminal Five, due to open in 2008, to the business car park.

Heathrow Airport operator BAA said the guided vehicles should be up and running in 2009.

They will travel along a dedicated guideway and be capable of carrying around four passengers and their luggage.

BAA also claims that as well as reducing congestion and waiting times the system also produces no local emissions.

The Personal Rapid Transit System will be on trial at Terminal Five for a year before any decisions are made on rolling it out across the rest of the airport.