How can different modes of transport be connected in intelligent and environmentally friendly ways? How can people’s transport needs in mega-cities be solved in a space-saving and efficient manner? These are fascinating questions prompting solutions that are both creative and visionary. From 23 to 26 September at InnoTrans 2014 the newly launched Future Mobility Park will be exhibiting three forward-looking transport projects. Is this how we will be travelling in the future?

Horizon: intelligent and intermodal

Studio Globe will present Horizon, a transport system of the future that aims to eliminate delays by connecting different modes of transport. According to design engineer Ewan Alston passengers would enter Horizon through an airport hub, a so-called SkyStation. There they would board a pod to transport them to the outskirts of the city where they would then take a SkyShip, a fully electric and autonomous aircraft. “What is unique about Horizon is that it connects ground and air traffic in a seamless and dynamic way“, says Alston of Studio Globe.

JPods: sustainable and computer-controlled

In Berlin Jpods will present an innovative concept for a privately funded mobility network in Secaucus, New Jersey. “The Jpods mass transit system will carry passengers and freight in ultra-light, robotic, podcar vehicles that are computer-controlled and run on elevated rails“, says Bill James, managing director of Jpods. It is intended to operate at only 10 per cent of the energy required by cars, buses and trains. “Furthermore, solar panels mounted above the rails will collect sufficient energy to run the network without any need for external energy sources”, says James.

TubularRail: high-speed travel without rails

TubularRail’s visionary mass transit system features a high-speed vehicle that travels above ground through rings supported on concrete pedestals. The rings house engines and rollers that drive, guide and stabilise the vehicle at low speeds, as well as flywheels for operating at higher speeds. According to Joaquin Garza, managing director of TubularRail Development, “this concept is suitable for high-speed travel between cities and represents affordable urban public transport“.

More information on the Future Mobility Park: www.innotrans.com/Visitor-Info/FutureMobilityPark/.