Torque controlled mechanism for moving and steering a transit vehicle

A bi-directional operating automated guided transit system such as a people mover including a vehicle (10) having at least one pair of opposing axles (38,38'), each axle having a wheel (40,40') with its own drive system. The vehicle (10) is capable of providing torque controlled steering to the vehicle (10). Sensors (56,56') mounted on the vehicle (10) detect the path of a guide track (22) and, through a controlling system, direct the motors (48,48') to provide a constant torque to both wheels (40,40'), thereby directing the vehicle (10) along a straight path or, in the alternative, direct the motors (48,48') associated with each wheel (40,40') to provide differing torques, thereby causing the vehicle (10) to turn. The system also permits a vehicle operator to bypass the sensor signal and to manually steer the vehicle (10).