This article is intended as a futuristic perspective on transportation. Given the recent advances in technology, the future of transportation is no longer a matter of fate but a possibility. We will examine some of the possibilities and challenges faced by designers in the new future transportation realms. There is a multitude of innovations and theories circulating in the design community. This article is by no means comprehensive and in no way is meant to be an exhaustive review but rather an introspective of some of the more popular trends currently shaping the design of tomorrow’s transportation.

The following are in no specific order and quite frankly, far from comprehensive so feel free to insert your own ideas in the comment box. First, robotic vehicles. The earliest history of future transportation is likely to be that of robotic vehicles. They are currently a well defined idea in science fiction, notable examples like the Fallout series of video games.

Automated manufacturing and e.g. driverless vehicles is perhaps a more encompassing term to use in this discussion. Automation is the gradual replacement of manual work such as passenger loading and unloading, manual storage and retrieving, etc., with machines such as trucks, buses, cars, self-propelled vehicles (e.g. skateboards), autonomous operation of vehicles within “pockets” of open streets and the like. Automation in its current form has already manifested itself in full scale production of commercial vehicles, delivery vehicles and even individual consumers in the form of rideshare services.

Future transportation which goes beyond the boundaries of cities will certainly include fully autonomous vehicles as part of the picture. Such a future transportation system would entail greater levels of control and sophistication as well as added benefits for everyone. For instance, the driver’s ability to make decisions on their own regarding speed, acceleration, braking, and maneuverability could eliminate traffic jams and create safer roads. This would surely benefit both vehicle safety and vehicle mobility.

Hyperloop technology is perhaps the most innovative approach to the high-speed, long distance travel paradigm. Proponents of such a technology have long promoted it as the transportation technology of the future. A hyperloop is a closed loop, which allows for instantaneous travel at extremely high-speeds along virtually any surface length. A theoretical hyperloop can easily exceed the US mileage, total linear distance and total length of all road systems in a continent by the year 2021.

Hyperloop technology will pave the way for a new paradigm shift in transportation systems. The ability to design and build them at a much lower cost than conventional designs and engineering solutions opens up many new avenues for private investment. These avenues will ultimately make it possible for Hyperloops to become a major component of the sustainable urban transport systems, we need to minimize our environmental impact. This would be a great boon for the planet.

Future transportation should move forward using safe and environmentally sound technologies. We cannot continue to ignore the fact that our current transportation infrastructure is aging and is not safe to operate on. In the US, the failure to invest in new transportation technologies and systems like electric and high-speed rail will result in an increase in traffic congestion, increased fuel costs, and negative impacts to wildlife. It is therefore imperative that the government and industry work together to solve the transportation challenges facing us today.

Alternative transportation systems such as electric and high-speed rail are an attractive solution to the challenges we face regarding congestion, climate change, and the overall environmental health of our planet. It is time for a new kind of coordinated planning and coordinated technology deployment. If you are interested in a career in these areas, it may be worth your while to look into a Masters degree in Public Administration or a BS in Transportation for a better opportunity in these exciting fields. All the best!