Perhaps the future of Auckland’s public transport will see the establishment of pod-car networks. While many aspect of this concept may seem straight from science fiction, the reality is far from it as construction is already well underway in a number of countries.
Pod-car system in Stockholm
This pod-car network in Stockholm provides immediate service and means that passengers are rarely required to wait for a vehicle. An empty pod-car can arrive at the station within a few seconds. Journeys are also non-stop to the passengers desired destination, thereby eliminating the needs to plan trips in advance or transfer between vehicles.
“The Eco Factor is a zero-emission public transport concept that is based on magnetic levitation.” (Instamedia Pvt. Ltd. 2010). Industrial designer Chris Hanley has come up with a public transportation system that offers a zero-emission ride, remarkably similar to that of a roller coaster. Chaotic traffic jams, crowded parking spaces and pollution will become a thing of the past as these pods will run along tracks that are suspended above lanes and streets of major cities.
With an ability to rotate 360 degrees, the system can maneuver sharp corners to move down narrow roads within cities. The wings of the system move along the magnetic track, while the two cabins are kept completely still making it safe for people to travel without any seat belts.
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| The Proposed Eco-Factor pod-car system. |
Unimodal Systems is a private organisation based in California that also specializes in transport solutions that leave congestion, pollution and road rage at the door. The Sky Tran personal rapid transport system will use three-seater pods that run on elevated magnetically levitated rails and contain robot control software that is also being used by NASA.
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| Each pod-car will be able to travel at speeds of 150mph and navigate automatically in order to reach the passengers desired destination |
This is very much a possible solution for Auckland’s public transportation issues. Unlike conventional services that often run at a loss, pod-cars are mass produced, thereby bringing the cost down while being profitable to operate. This concept has the ability to eliminate the need for private vehicles, local buses and even taxis in Auckland's CBD, thereby transforming it into a pedestrian haven. Weaving through CBD traffic will also no longer be an issue as Auckland pod-cars would operate on their very own tracks, thereby providing reliable, predictable, congestion free transit experiences. This initiative also supports a car free Auckland City.
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