Driverless Taxis Aren't Just in Your Dreams

You've just spent and evening out with friends and are weighing your transportation options. Hopping on a bus or train is a possibility. You could also call a taxi to take you home. It's not the expense of the taxi ride that is causing you to pause; it is the unwanted conversation from the driver that has you leaning towards another mode of transportation. Not to mention, you feel a little guilty taking up an entire vehicle – adding to the already traffic- and pollution-filled streets – just to get home. Wouldn't it be nice if you never had to deal with another rude or creepy taxi driver again while also helping to reduce your carbon footprint?

The Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) system is a driverless taxi that can accommodate up to four passengers. Just press a button, and you are on your way for a ride that goes up to 25 mph. The concept and design seem to be plucked right out of a science fiction movie. Thankfully, potential passengers won't have to wait eons to experience this intriguing mode of transportation. London, England's Heathrow International Airport plans to begin using the PRT to transport passengers in 2010 – free of charge – between Terminal 5 and parking lots.

And while the original design may sound a little far-fetched, the concept is really not that different than a Maglav or even a Monorail system which can both operate without a driver. The PRT system consists of a dedicated path that the battery-powered passenger pod travels on to reach the passenger's chosen destination. Once the passenger enters their destination into the control system, a message is sent to the vehicle. Don't worry. You're not completely alone. If needed, there's also a button that allows you to speak to a controller. Heathrow International Airport expects approximately 500,000 people – and their luggage – to be transported annually between the terminal and parking areas. They are so committed to the project that there will be 18 PRT pods in use.

The PRT system was invented by Professor Martin Lowson. Professor Lowson, in partnership with Advanced Transport Systems (located in Bristol, United Kingdom) has been developing the driverless taxi system for over a decade. As the founder and CEO of Advanced Transport Systems, Professor Lowson developed ULTra, an advanced form of public transport that is both revolutionary and sustainable. ULTra stands for Urban Light Transport, which is a type of PRT. The ULTra transport system is powered by electricity and produces zero carbon emissions. Not only are the PRT pods comfortable and efficient, they are an environmentally friendly means of travel that is sure to catch on.