Some would be travelers claim that they would fly more frequently to take advantage of cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages if only they did not have to waste so much time at the airport prior to departure. Laser guided pods that operate without drivers have started saving passengers time at Londons Heathrow airport.
These pods were introduced in September and reduce the time it takes passengers to move from the terminal to car park by 60 percent. The pods travel at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, with passengers waiting an average of only 34 seconds to reach their destination.
The pods look like something out of a science fiction movie. The pods run along tracks and allow passengers to choose their destinations, using laser sensors to move travelers and their bags along a two mile route.
Costing $47 million to develop, these pods have the potential of transporting up to 500,000 passengers each year, replacing 50,000 shuttle bus journeys.
This British invention has been being tested in Heathrow since April and is the culmination of over 60 years to development.
The company behind the new technology, ULTra is confident that this technology will prove popular. India has announced that it will pilot the system around Delhi and Amritsar. A feasibility study is currently in progress in Raleigh, N.C. www.cheapfares.com