[001] The disclosure relates generally to rapid transit system for human pedal powered vehicle and, more particularly to an intelligent and eco mobility system utilizing human pedal power and configured to provide guided personal rapid transit along with fitness benefits to a rider.
BACKGROUND
[002] In the last decade, the implementation of mass transit systems has become more prominent, with several urban cities deciding to build metro and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. With the escalation of such mass transit projects, there is a need to plan for last-mile connectivity and to expand the influence of trunk corridors. In general, the available modes of feeder services for the mass transit systems are non-motorised modes (i.e. walking, cycling), intermediate public transport (i.e. auto-rickshaws, taxis), shared-ride services (i.e. shared taxis, shared auto-rickshaws) and buses.
[003] Mass rapid public transport systems are not being patronized for want of reliable feeder systems. The motorized modes of feeder system such as personal vehicles, taxi/cab services etc. adds volume to the already congested road networks in the urban cities. Lack of proper dedicated pedestrian footpaths, cycling tracks, skate board paths etc. discourages the public from using these facilities and subsequently compromising on the health and safety of the citizens.
[004] Existing solutions have attempted to address this need, but rare attempts were made by others to provide a holistic solution to this problem. Certain existing solutions in which human powered cycle are used to relieve congested areas based on cable rope with matching profile rim/tyre and combined with an attachment to help the rider balance is of limited potential to solve urban traffic. In addition, one of the available solution is a monorail race track in a recumbent ride mode, which is also of very limited functionality to serve urban commuters. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to encourage people to use and shift towards non-polluting vehicles thus bringing the fitness and health element into the transport eco-system. Current PRT systems like Ultra Global PRT (one in Heathrow airport), Metrino, SkyTran, JPods etc. are not human powered, estimated costs are high and hence does not fulfil

[005] In order to solve at least some of the above mentioned problems, there exists a need for an intelligent and eco mobility system comprising two-wheelers on a dedicated air-conditioned/non-air-conditioned multiple guided lanes which utilizes human pedal power, assisted with electric power, if desired.
[006] Briefly, according to an exemplary embodiment, a rapid transit system for bicycles/two-wheelers is provided. The system is an intelligent and eco mobility system configured to provide eco-transport mode for feeder services in mass rapid public transport system. The system is configured to utilize human pedal power, assisted with electric power if desired. The system comprises two-wheelers on a dedicated air-conditioned/non-air-conditioned multiple guided lanes. The system includes compact station hubs at strategic locations where people embark and disembark with ease. The compact station hubs also function as storage space for vehicles (bicycles or two wheelers).
[007] Briefly, according to an exemplary embodiment, a system comprising a smart pricing model for a rapid transit system implemented for providing feeder services in mass rapid public transport is provided. The system is configured for reduction in amount of carbon footprints thus encouraging the users/riders to use more of pedal power than electric assistance. The system includes a steering console loaded with real-time information and configured to assist and guide the users/riders. The system includes ergonomically designed seats, luggage space etc. In addition, the system also gives utmost importance to safety and convenience of commuters by using advanced systems like anti-collision systems, early warning alarms/indicators, integrated with smart phone App etc.
[008] The summary above is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Further aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments can be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the

accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an upright vehicle which is a human pedal powered vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates recumbent vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates back view of the human pedal powered vehicle in a guided lane, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates plurality of vehicles in guided lanes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates cross section of bi-level civil super-structure for driving two wheeler vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a typical view of a station with non-Air Conditioned superstructure with pillars on medians, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a typical view of a station with a Air Conditioned superstructure cable suspended between stations (i.e without pillars), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates example embodiment of station at Level 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiment of station at Level 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates example embodiment of Switching/Diverging Section, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiment of the human pedal powered vehicle as a Metro Rail feeder from Embassy Golf Link Tech Park to Indiranagar CMH Metro Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for

simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0023] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0024] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not comprise only those steps but may comprise other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0026] At least one exemplary embodiment is generally directed towards a rapid transit system comprising a smart pricing model implemented for providing feeder services in mass rapid public transport. The system is an intelligent and eco mobility system configured to provide eco-transport mode for feeder services in mass rapid public transport system. The system is configured to utilize human pedal power, assisted with electric power if desired. The system comprises (two-wheelers/bicycles) human pedal powered vehicle configured to run on a dedicated air-conditioned/non-air-conditioned multiple guided lanes. The system includes compact station hubs at strategic locations where people embark and disembark with ease. The compact station hubs also function as storage space for human pedal powered vehicle (bicycles or two wheelers).
[0027] In one embodiment, the system is configured for reduction in amount of carbon footprints thus encouraging the users/riders to use more of pedal power than electric assistance. The system includes a steering console loaded with real-time information and configured to assist and guide the users/riders. The system includes ergonomically designed seats, luggage space etc. In addition, the system also gives utmost importance to safety and convenience of commuters by using advanced systems like anti-collision systems, early warning alarms/indicators, integrated with smart phone App etc.
[0028] In addition to the illustrative aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0029] The word ‘rider’ and the ‘user’ refer the same and is used interchangeably in the description. The word ‘two wheeler', ‘bicycle’ and the human ‘pedal powered vehicle’ refer the same and is used interchangeably in the description.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an upright vehicle 100 which is a human pedal powered vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the human pedal powered vehicle is configured to run on a dedicated air-conditioned/non-air-conditioned multiple guided lanes. The guided lanes are designed to provide eco-transport mode for feeder services in mass rapid public transport system.
[0031] The human pedal powered vehicle 100 as shown in FIG.1 may be utilized for personal rapid transit. Furthermore, the human pedal powered vehicle 100 may include a feature of self-balancing by balancing wheels so that riders need little effort in balancing the

human pedal powered vehicle 100 and can use hands for other purposes while riding. The human pedal powered vehicle 100 includes an intelligent on-board console for on-demand origin, destination and routing controls thus enabling smart travel. Moreover, the human pedal powered vehicle 100 includes a connected vehicle sensor-guideway sensor for automated switch control for safe and quick switching, which facilitates higher throughput of this system. The human pedal powered vehicle 100 includes an unique compact frame design, which also houses the electric vehicle motor and battery to facilitate power assisted ride combined with a foldable frame (as shown in FIG.2 by reference numeral 200).
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates back view 300 of the human pedal powered vehicle in a guided lane, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the human pedal powered vehicle is configured to run on a dedicated air-conditioned/non-air-conditioned multiple guided lanes. The guided lane is designed to provide eco-transport mode for feeder services in mass rapid public transport system. The guided lane results reduction in amount of carbon footprints thus encouraging the users/riders to use more of pedal power than electric assistance. The human pedal powered vehicle in the guided lane includes a steering console loaded (as shown by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3) with real-time information and configured to assist and guide the users/riders. The human pedal powered vehicle in the guided lane provides an intelligent and eco mobility system utilizing human pedal power and configured to provide guided personal rapid transit along with fitness benefits to a riders.
[0033] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrates plurality of vehicles in multiple guided lanes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. To meet the needs of the maximum people opting the feeder services in mass rapid public transport system, and to combat the traffic and pollution problems, the guided lane is designed in such a way as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 to provide eco-transport mode for feeder services in mass rapid public transport system. In particular, multiple lanes can also be designed in bi-level civil super-structure (500) as shown in FIG. 5.
[0034] The bi-level structure 500 provides for independent movement of to and fro vehicle traffic. The system also has an option of air-conditioned pathway with a distinctive air flow system between the stations which aids in riders movement in a bi-level structure.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a typical view 600 of a station with non-AC superstructure with pillars on medians, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, compact station hubs are provided at strategic locations where people embark and disembark

with ease. In another embodiment, the stations also function as storage space for vehicles. In one embodiment, a vertical rotating stacking arrangements is provided at stations for storage/retrieval of vehicles. The system leads to an optimum civil and environmental foot print by supporting on slender structure in the form of column-free hanging tubes between the stations. In addition, the system includes a switch mechanism to merge and diverge the human pedal powered vehicle from main route to station area and vice versa.
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a typical view 700 of a station with AC superstructure cable suspended between stations (i.e without pillars), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates the station 700 with an AC superstructure cable which also function as storage space for vehicles. In one embodiment, a vertical rotating stacking arrangements is provided at stations for storage/retrieval of vehicles.
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates example embodiment 800 of station at level 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiment 900 of station at level 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates example embodiment 1000 of Switching/Diverging Section, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the human pedal powered vehicle can change the track by using switching/diverging section. This enables the user to change the directions if required. Furthermore, the track changing can be controlled automatically.
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiment 1100 of the human pedal powered vehicle as a Metro Rail feeder from Embassy Golf Link Tech park to Indiranagar CMH Metro Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] In one embodiment, the invention as disclosed herein includes a dedicated human pedal powered personal transit cum fitness system. This system is liberal, distributed, safe and healthy transit mode for human beings (riders) for shorter travel in cities, urban areas, airports, gated communities, tech parks, large industrial complexes, tourist places, amusement parks, nature trails etc. This consumes less energy and is a greener system compared to other systems. The total life cycle costs are much less in this system compared to the other systems making it the most practical and relevant public transport option for the present and the future.

[0042] In one embodiment, the existing cycle, ripstik, skate boards, segway and motor bikes can be modified to offer similar mode. Further, the human pedal powered vehicle can be modified with modification of pedal power with hand power or hand-pedal power combination
[0043] In another embodiment, the modification of guided system and location of guideway at different place/profile is provided. Further, the bridge and (or) pathway/tube supporting/ hanging system is provided. The magnetic levitation/ deviation in place of guiding wheels is provided. The system includes a bi-level structure for independent movement of to and fro vehicle traffic at same level. The system may include non- air conditioned path ways or tubes.
[0044] Further, the vehicle frame of the human pedal powered vehicle can be modified from current design to diamond /chopper or another types of frames.
[0045] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0046] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.