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Feature - The Future of Transport
On the fast track
From new hyperloop systems and driverless vehicles to next-generation aircraft and space travel, new modes of transport are fast emerging, transforming how we move around the world The way we travel hasn’t radically changed since the advent of commercial flights in the latter half of the 20th century. While advancements in technology may have improved functionality in planes, ships, trains, cars and even bicycles, these modes of transport have essentially remained the same. Until now! As we move into a new era, with more focus on responsible travel, we’re seeing the pace of change increase dramatically in the transport sector. From new hyperloop systems and driverless vehicles to next-generation aircraft and space travel, new modes of transport are fast emerging, transforming how we move around the world. Highlighting the beginning of this revolution in transport, ATM 2022 throws the spotlight on the future of transportation today with a session organised by The Resilience Council. Laurie Myers, Global Strategist, The Resilience Council, said: “We organised this session to share some exciting trends
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in transportation. Clearly, there is a large push towards train travel and there are sustainability questions to ask around space travel: will Elon Musk be able to produce the battery supplies needed for the fleets of electric cars being deployed?” THE RISE IN RAIL TRAVEL Rapid changes in the way we move from one place to another are underway in the region. Bahrain is building its metro; Merav Michaeli, Israel’s Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, has called for a ‘Peace Train’ from Haifa to Dubai and Etihad Rail is set to connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a capacity to serve 36 million people by the year 2030. Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director, ConnectingTravel, said: “Consumer guilt could lead to a considerable drop in air travel and an increase in electric rail travel. Rail travel could also have a competitive edge over air travel in terms of user experience. Today, unless flying business or first
class, air travel is overly complicated and uncomfortable, with little room to move and passengers expected to fight over single armrests in the middle seats. With three-hour check-in periods reducing air travel’s main advantage of speed, rail travel could even become the quickest way to travel from door to door in the Gulf, especially if projects like the Hyperloop come to pass. “With the Gulf approaching its Golden Age of Travel in 2030, when some of the world’s most exciting tourist attractions and destinations will be open for business, there will be even more reason to holiday closer to home and this is when rail travel will come into its own.” DECARBONISING AVIATION The environment is one of aviation’s top priorities in today’s climate. Airlines are working constantly to limit their impact on the planet by reducing carbon emissions. The future of the industry certainly will see a heavy emphasis on decarbonising.
09/05/2022 5:51 PM
