The future of transport is in Tampa Bay, at least if you look at the current projects of TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority). Here, they are already looking at the transport situation in 2030. This is why the future suitability of technologies such as Hyperloop, air taxis and urban cable cars is being investigated.

At the start of this year, the Florida Legislature promised TBARTA a million US dollars for the investigation and development of innovative transit options. 12 months are planned for the analyses, during which time the feasibility of original transport options will be examined more closely.

These include Hyperloop, air taxis and urban cable cars. Whilst both of the former remain at different research stages, urban cable cars are already in use in a number of cities around the world. With the study, TBARTA wants to resolve the principal questions concerning the status and development of the technologies as well as the potential for the future.

Other aspects that will be examined more closely for the three systems in the course of the investigation are: routes, air space, safety and environmental issues, passenger demand and finance options. “We must take this opportunity seriously,” said TBARTA board member Emanuel Cliff, Jr.

“I would like to see the feasibility analysis, so that I actually have facts and figures in front of me in order to consider the options and I want to keep our staff open to alternatives that would potentially offer transit advantages.” The study results for all three systems are expected to be ready for publication in July this year.