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Skycars could
significantly reduce traffic congestion
In Puget Sound by 2015
A skycar is larger than an automobile, takes off and lands vertically, and flies economically at 300 miles per hour. Unlike a helicopter, however, a skycar is quiet, safe, fast, fuel efficient, and capable of flying in all weather.
The first flight of the 4 passenger skycar is expected soon. A previous 2 passenger model has already had 200 test flights. The 6 passenger version might be available around 2005. An air-van system using skycars would allow many people to travel quickly without having to own a skycar.
Airvan/skycar destinations can be parking lots, park and ride centers, as well as flat roofs – it just needs a fenced-off circle 40 feet in diameter.
Airvans can provide very quick
transportation in the Seattle area: (approx: $0.30/passenger mile
=$1.20/minute)
<10 minutes to airport or domed sports stadium
15 minutes to Port Townsend or Olympia
20 minutes to an island in the San Juans
30 minutes to Portland or Vancouver, Canada
<50 minutes to Whistler in Canada or the corners of Washington state.
2.3 hours to San Francisco (direct - without going to an airport)
I estimate that each 6 seat airvan will be able to carry 50 passengers on trips of 25 to 50 miles during a 3 hour commute period. (This estimate assumes that the airvan will carry far fewer passengers during each return leg of the round trip)
500 airvans would carry the same number of commuters as would a 2 lane bridge/freeway (22,000 autos per 3 hours, with no ridesharing). The 500 airvans and ground support would be about $300 million could totally be paid for by a profit-oriented business. The startup cost of $300 million is just 1/10 of the taxes needed for a new 2 lane bridge to Seattle.
Summary of skycar advantages:
Commute 50 miles in just 15 minutes
Can commute anywhere quickly – even over water
Can adapt to new transportation needs in days, not decades
Far less expensive than building new bridges and freeways - no taxes needed
Safer than travel by jet aircraft
By Henry Lahore August 6, 1999