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Actuators - a device responsible for actuating another mechanical device, such as one connected to a computer by a sensor link. (American Heritage Dictionary). In the Automated Transport System (ATS), actuators are part of a precise feedback loop systems that maintains vehicle position on automated roadways.

ASI/ATS - American Standards Institute for Automated Transport Systems. An organization established to present a unified vision for automated road transport. ASI/ATS has patented standards of design, performance, engineering and safety for automated vehicles, operating systems and infrastructure.

Automated Vehicles - In the ASI/ATS system, most vehicles will be dual mode — designed to be driven on both conventional roads and automated roadways

Chassis - The frame, supported on springs and attached to the axles, that holds the body and motor of an automotive vehicle. (abridged from American Heritage Dictionary). ATS vehicles use an "I" chassis rather than the conventional "H" chassis.

Circular Grid - A theoretical circular pattern of roads and interchanges that could be used as the basis for an automated roadway grid for cities that already have a circular development pattern. This might be appropriate for a metropolitan areas like Indianapolis, Indiana, St. Louis, Missouri, Boston, Massachusetts, or Washington, DC

Clustering - ATS vehicles can form into a cluster — that is, travel bumper-to-bumper in a group — to increase roadway capacity and save fuel through aerodynamic effects.

Gridlock- A traffic jam in which no vehicular movement is possible, especially one caused by the blockage of key intersections within a grid of streets (American Heritage Dictionary).

Master Grid - A master grid defines the plan for a rational connection of regional roadways and interchanges, custom-fitted to a given metropolitan area. In the short run transportation routes must be matched to the city. In the long run the city will grow around new transportation routes.

Perfect Road Transportation System - A fully integrated system that allows uninterrupted road travel from origin to destination at the highest practical speed over the most direct route possible.

Rectangular Grid - A theoretical rectangular pattern of roads and interchanges; the basis for an automated roadway grid for cities that already have a development pattern of major thoroughfares at one mile intervals, such as Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Palm Beach, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Salt Lake City .

Regional Master Computer (RMC) - a computer system with a collective memory of regional traffic patterns by season, day of week and time of day. The RMC generates single trip ID tickets and plans routes for individual vehicles, and provides route information to specific interchange computers and the on board computers in individual vehicles.

Sensors - Devices used in the Automated Transport System as part of a feedback loop system to maintain roadway position of vehicles.

Solo driver(s) - Car drivers who commute and run errands by themselves in cars weighing 2,500 to 5,000 pounds. One goal of the automated system is to reduce the weight ratio of passengers to vehicles for increased fuel economy.

Triangular Diamond Grid - A theoretical grid layout used to reduce distances of travel. Parts of a rectangular grid may use a diamond pattern in areas where a diagonal is the shortest distance connecting two very high traffic areas

Universal Interchange - An intersection in the automated transport system, featuring a single lane in each direction, no stop signs and no traffic signals. Vehicles are steered from one road onto another via a fail-safe automated switching system.