SkyTran has designed a system of high-speed commuter pods that it claims can provide a safer, greener, quieter alternative to traditional forms of public transit. Images are artist's illustrations.
SkyTran has designed a system of high-speed commuter pods that it claims can provide a safer, greener, quieter alternative to traditional forms of public transit. Images are artist's illustrations.
Courtesy skyTran
SkyTran's pods would rise above the inconvenience of everyday traffic, on elevated guide rails.
SkyTran's pods would rise above the inconvenience of everyday traffic, on elevated guide rails.
Courtesy skyTran
The pods weigh around 300 pounds and rely on the lift and thrust of electromagnets to levitate and move them forward.
The pods weigh around 300 pounds and rely on the lift and thrust of electromagnets to levitate and move them forward.
Courtesy skyTran
The computer-controlled pods can be summoned on demand to meet commuters at the nearest station.
The computer-controlled pods can be summoned on demand to meet commuters at the nearest station.
Courtesy skyTran
A proposed SkyTran pod interior. The first pilot project will be at the campus of Israel Aerospace Industries, Tel Aviv.
A proposed SkyTran pod interior. The first pilot project will be at the campus of Israel Aerospace Industries, Tel Aviv.
Courtesy skyTran
SkyTran CEO Jerry Sanders with a model pod. "Being stuck in traffic is just the most stress-inducing, soul-crushing part of society today," says Sanders. "We really want to make people's lives better and elevated, high-speed transportation is the answer."
SkyTran CEO Jerry Sanders with a model pod. "Being stuck in traffic is just the most stress-inducing, soul-crushing part of society today," says Sanders. "We really want to make people's lives better and elevated, high-speed transportation is the answer."
Courtesy skyTran
SkyTran uses a variation on magnetic levitation technology. China's Shanhai Maglev train is currently the world's fastest, able to hit 311 mph with a top operating speed of 268 mph.
SkyTran uses a variation on magnetic levitation technology. China's Shanhai Maglev train is currently the world's fastest, able to hit 311 mph with a top operating speed of 268 mph.
China Photos/Getty Images
The new maglev train Transrapid TR 09 pictured on the test track in Lathen, Germany in 2008, hits a top speed of 279 mph.
The new maglev train Transrapid TR 09 pictured on the test track in Lathen, Germany in 2008, hits a top speed of 279 mph.
dpa/Landov