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Queenstown's roads are regularly clogged and, as the region continues to grow, that's only going to get worse. But Whoosh thinks the solution could be right above our heads.
Whoosh, which has been developed by Christchurch engineering company Holmes Solutions, uses a fixed metal guideway for its cablecars rather than ropes and that means they have the unique ability to go around corners.
The autonomous electric pods are self-powered with batteries on board and they use a lot less energy than a vehicle.
There can also be lots of pods, one after the other, with control systems in each one and sensors on the track to keep them at a safe distance. Users will be able to choose their destination and bypass different stations along the way.
Whoosh’s first real-world pilot project just got the green light and is scheduled to kick off in the Remarkables Park in Frankton, but it's hoped the network will eventually extend all the way into Queenstown and further around the region. With plenty of overseas interest in the technology, Whoosh's network might eventually extend around the world.
There is a different but complementary proposal for a bigger gondola system that should further reduce the need for cars and take pressure off the roads in the region, so, when it comes to transport, things might be looking up down south.
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