Cities worldwide face traffic problems and rising pollution. A New Zealand startup called Whoosh has an exciting solution. It plans to launch a new transportation system in Queenstown by 2027. Whoosh’s system is like a gondola but works differently. This new idea could change how cities handle transportation, making it faster, greener, and more efficient.
Queenstown is a popular tourist spot with beautiful scenery but heavy traffic. It is the perfect place to test the Whoosh system. The town covers about 370 acres, making it a manageable area for the pilot project. As reported by Time Magazine, Whoosh CEO Chris Allington said, the new system could remove up to 20% of vehicles from the road if scaled citywide. This would help ease traffic and make it easier to get around.
Whoosh is not like traditional gondolas. Regular gondolas move by pulling the entire cable, but Whoosh cabins work differently. Each cabin has its electric motor, allowing it to move independently on stationary cables and rails.
The cabins travel at an average speed of 26 mph and can switch between cables and rails without stopping. This means passengers can enjoy flexible routes, going directly from pickup to drop-off.
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Allington says, “Powering the cabins themselves means the guideway can be simple and low-cost infrastructure.” This makes it easier and cheaper to build compared to other transportation systems.
Whoosh is designed to be environmentally friendly. It is twice as efficient as even the most economical electric cars. The cabins avoid wasting energy on things like braking or idling in traffic.
A one-hour ride uses about the same energy as a 10-minute shower, Allington explains. Additionally, the infrastructure for Whoosh uses only one-fifth of the carbon emissions needed to build ground-level rail networks. This makes it a great option for cities trying to reduce pollution.
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Whoosh, cabins come with smart features to make the ride enjoyable. A stabilization system keeps the cabins steady even in windy weather. To protect privacy, smart-glass windows can frost over, so people along the route don’t feel uncomfortable.
The cost of using Whoosh will likely be more expensive than public transport but cheaper than ride-hailing services like Uber. Passengers will be able to book rides through an app or buy tickets at vending machines.
Although the Whoosh system is still untested, it has already attracted attention outside New Zealand. In the United States, Whoosh has partnered with Swyft Cities, a company linked to Google, to explore locations in North Texas. Cities like Dallas, Plano, Arlington, Frisco, and DeSoto are being considered for the first U.S. network.
According to Jeral Poskey, CEO of Swyft Cities, Whoosh can be easily added to existing city layouts. The modular system can start small and expand over time. “It’s places that are fast-growing, built around cars, and now they realize they’re stuck,” Poskey says.
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Whoosh is especially useful for medium-density areas, where people travel distances of 1 to 5 miles. Subways are designed for high-density city centres, and cars are better for low-density areas. Medium-density areas often lack good transport options.
“None of the high-tech innovations are designed to solve the problem most of the world is facing,” Poskey explains. Whoosh fills this gap, offering a flexible, efficient solution for urban areas where people live closer together but not in very crowded neighbourhoods.
While Whoosh has a lot of promise, the system is still in its early stages. Many futuristic transportation ideas have faced problems when put into real-world use. However, Whoosh’s team is optimistic about its potential.
The company’s modular design allows it to be tested and expanded without requiring massive investments upfront. This flexibility makes it appealing for cities looking for new ways to reduce congestion and pollution.