Five Alternative (Non-Car) Transports For The Future

In these times, we are all trying to do more to reduce our carbon footprint and be more aware of the effect our actions have on the world we live in. Cars and their emissions are one of the biggest problems we have today. While scientists, inventors and engineers strive to come up with more eco-friendly motoring options, such as electric cars, we thought we should take a look at some of the other non-car transportation that we could be using in years to come.

First up, the Heathrow Pods. Officially called a Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) System, these futuristic pods are actually due to start being used at Heathrow to ferry passengers between the business car park and Terminal 5. They look like something from James Bond or some sci-fi adventure. The pods don’t require drivers. Instead they are powered by a battery pack. There are no timetables, they wait at the designated pick up point and once you get in the doors close and take you to your destination. The pods follow a guide-way using the lasers which are fitted within them. If there is no pod waiting, you can call on one and it should be with you within seconds. They only travel at 25 miles per hour but they are extremely convenient, much better than standing in the rain waiting for a shuttle bus. Most importantly, the pods have no emissions. It is likely, if these pods are successful at Terminal 5, that Heathrow will roll them out across the whole airport. The town of Daventry in Northamptonshire is also looking at using PRT as a solution to transporting its  increasing population. These pods are also extremely safe, with CCTV installed in each of them. There is no need to share a pod with a person, or people that you do not know, making for a more pleasant experience all round.

Scooters, like, rock.

Another alternative to car transport is the scooter. Now, scooters may not seem like the most convenient alternative to cars, especially as they can only accommodate a maximum of two people but they are great for getting about. However, an even greener alternative is the electric scooter which is bound to become more popular as people continue to examine their choices and the subsequent effect on the environment. These electric scooters can be charged in a standard household socket and within a few hours they will have sufficient energy to travel between 20-30 miles. These environmentally friendly scooters can cost as little as £500 for smaller models, with motors around 200W. These are powered by lead acid batteries of 36V. Top of the range electric scooters tend to cost around £1000 but for this money you will get a motor with 1500W which is powered by a 48V silicon gel battery. The smaller versions only travel at speeds of up to 15 mph and anyone over the age of 14 is permitted to ride these. However, the larger models travel at speeds of up to 30 mph and have the same classification as mopeds. You needn’t skimp on style either as all of these scooters come in a range of colours, so there is sure to be something for everybody.

Trains: underrated.

Train travel is already considered to be one of the greenest methods of transportation for the masses within the country. However, when people are jetting off from these fine shores they often find it more convenient to catch a flight. It can be difficult to keep your carbon footprint high up on your agenda when thoughts of a sunnier climate are filling your thoughts. There is another alternative, though, as trains operate over the High Speed 1 line. This does exactly as it says, introducing high speed train travel between the UK and Paris, Lille and Brussels. For example, train travel to Paris will be 20 minutes shorter, at just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Eventually there will be eight of these High Speed 1 trains travelling every hour between Britain and Europe. St Pancras station has become the home of this international train link, although another station has opened in Ebbsfleet, Kent.

Travelling by boat seems to be somewhat underrated unless you are the owner of some fabulous yacht decked out with all that your heart desires. However, this method of transport actually has many plus points. You are closer to the environment that we are all trying so hard to protect when you are on a boat. When else would you have the opportunity to face mother nature’s elements to the same degree? Another positive is the lack of traffic, beeping horns, congestion, and fumes! So, why not give it a try? A day at sea is guaranteed to lift your spirits and make you feel worthy for reducing that carbon footprint.

Maybe it would be worth getting a smaller front wheel.

Of course, when talking about transport for the future we seem to believe that it has to be some futuristic, space-age invention but often reverting back to more traditional methods of transport can be the best idea. This brings me to my final non-car method of transport for the future – the humble bicycle. That’s right, the bike that you spent so many hours enjoying as a child but then gave up as more mature methods of transport seemed more appealing… well, the bike is back. We have seen an upsurge in high profile people choosing to ride bikes due to its green credentials. The bike is the ideal method for zooming around and to top it all off, you will get fitter at the same time. Besides, what better than spending some time in the fresh air every day?

So, we guess only time will tell whether or not the majority of us ditch the convenience of our cars for greener methods or newer technologies. At least we know that there are alternatives out there and hopefully, bit by bit, we can all do something to reduce our carbon footprint.

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