Are these autonomous transport pods the future of sky-high commuting?

Imagine gliding above city traffic in a sleek, autonomous pod, bypassing congested streets and reaching your destination in record time. 

Whoosh represents a paradigm shift in urban transportation, offering a solution that's as efficient as it is futuristic.

The network itself consists of tensioned cables spanning 500-985 feet, interspersed with shorter sections of steel rail for smooth turns and junctions. This design allows Whoosh to overcome geographical obstacles with ease, crossing rivers, highways or even connecting rooftops.

Whoosh pods are expected to achieve an average speed of 25 mph across the network. While this may not sound impressive at first, the non-stop nature of the journey means it could be significantly faster than driving through congested urban areas. The system features remarkable efficiency, using less energy for a standard ride than a 10-minute shower. This is achieved through constant motion and low rolling resistance, making Whoosh about twice as efficient as a small electric car. Comfort hasn't been overlooked either. The pods can lean into corners, much like a motorcycle, providing a smooth ride even at higher speeds. The cable sections of the journey offer an especially pleasant "floating" sensation.

Interestingly, Whoosh's journey began in the world of amusement parks. The team behind Whoosh, led by Chris Allington, initially developed the core technology for a zip line ride called the Switchback. This allowed them to prototype and test crucial elements of the system, such as the seamless transition between cables and rails and the eddy current braking system for controlling swing-out around corners.

The world's first Whoosh transit system is slated to open in Queenstown, New Zealand, in 2026. This picturesque tourist destination, with its challenging geography and traffic issues, provides an ideal testing ground for the technology. Nestled between mountains and a lake, Queenstown suffers from limited road networks and significant traffic congestion, making it a perfect proving ground for Whoosh's innovative transportation solution. The pilot project will demonstrate the system's ability to navigate difficult terrain and provide efficient transit in a compact urban environment, with Chris Allington noting that the location is "small enough that it's actually solvable" while presenting unique geographical challenges.

Whoosh combines the convenience of ride-sharing with the efficiency of public transit. Its modular design and relatively low infrastructure costs make it an attractive option for growing cities grappling with congestion and sustainability concerns. As we look towards a future of smarter, more connected cities, Whoosh offers a glimpse of what's possible when innovative thinking is applied to age-old urban challenges. The success of the Queenstown pilot could pave the way for similar systems worldwide, potentially revolutionizing how we move through urban spaces.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.