The Future Of Transportation - Technology And Initiatives

Transportation has been important to human societies since the beginning, but today, it is more essential than ever. Be it deliveries, transportation of essential goods, or even going to work every day, transportation services keep the system on track. With the current technological developments and the introduction of AI into various industries, we are on the edge of an important revolution in the transportation landscape.

In this article, we briefly introduce the future of transportation technology and the cutting-edge technological initiatives that are on the horizon. Let’s dive deep into the details! 

Transportation Challenges Of Today

Transportation is essential to how human societies run now. However, with the population on the rise, the demand for transportation is also increasing. As a result, the current transportation landscape faces some challenges. Understanding these challenges is important to understand the future of transportation technology. Here are some of the major challenges that we are facing: 

1. Traffic congestion

Traffic congestion in urban areas has been one of the major concerns of the modern time. As the population increases and the economy expands, the need for vehicles increases as well. With more cars and bikes on the roads, traffic jams and gridlocks have become a painful reality. Traffic congestion is a major issue, increasing travel time while contributing greatly to inefficient fuel use. Long wait times in traffic are also a major cause of noise and air pollution, accidents, and health concerns in urban areas.  

2. Pollution

The heavy usage of fossil fuels, i.e., petrol and diesel, in today’s transportation systems has started negatively impacting the environment. Burning these fossil fuels in vehicles produces harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, contributing to environmental destruction and climate crisis. As the increasing number of private vehicles on the road gives rise to the need for more and better roads, the modern transportation landscape also contributes to deforestation. 

3. Outdated infrastructure

The development of transportation infrastructure at a pace that matches the increment of transportation needs is not very tangible. So, naturally, huge numbers of vehicles are being forced to run on the same outdated infrastructures, which can be very dangerous. Too many vehicles on small, congested roads mean more frustrated drivers, inefficient transportation, and increased road accidents. 

Emerging Technologies: A Step Towards Solutions 

The revolutionisation of the transportation industry is inevitable and closer than you think. Here’s a glimpse into the emerging transportation technologies that are set to change the global future of transportation forever! 

1. Light-weight and Electric Vehicles

The way we know personal vehicles is slowly changing for the better. Many car manufacturers have started to attempt to make more lightweight vehicles since the weight of your vehicle has a huge impact on your fuel efficiency. Decreasing the vehicle's weight by 10% has increased fuel efficiency by 6%. On the other hand, many manufacturers have started experimenting with fully electric vehicles running Lithium batteries. Futuristic car manufacturing company Tesla has been doing significant research and development towards electric vehicles that can completely change the future of transportation technology.

2. Drones for delivery 

Another big reason vehicles are used in modern times is for delivery. This usage of vehicles can be completely cut down with the introduction of delivery drones, completely transforming the future of transportation technology. The drones will take less space as they will primarily utilise aerial tracks. The delivery time will also be cut short, and the overall process will become more efficient than ever! Companies like Amazon and DHL have started with futuristic delivery options, and delivery drones are topping the list.

3. Rented bicycles

For people who prefer alternate and more sustainable methods of active transportation, the rented bicycle is slowly becoming a pivotal technology. In a shared or rented bicycle system, users can pick up a bicycle from their nearest bike station and drop it off at their destination station after commuting. While most transportation technologies mentioned above are still in experimentation, rented bicycles have already become popular globally. Especially for students, renting bicycles can mean going easy on their student bank accounts and living within their budget. 

4. Advanced public transportation

To decrease the number of private vehicles on the roads, governments around the world are experimenting with better and more tech-advanced public transport options. One such trendy option under experimentation is the Hyperloop, a tube that utilises the physical properties of a vacuum. Multiple Hyperloop projects are under construction worldwide, which will eradicate intercity transportation's complexities in the future. 

5. Flying cars and AVs

Remember the flying and driverless cars we used to see in all those futuristic films? Yep, they will be real very soon in the future of transportation technology! The global transportation brand Uber has started experimenting with flying taxis. In 2020, the brand announced its collaboration with Joby Aviation, a California-based aerospace company, and promised to bring flying taxis to the market! 

Similarly, AVs or autonomous vehicles are under testing as people slowly start to get comfortable with automatic, self-driving systems. Companies like Waymo and Tesla are some of the biggest pioneers of AV technologies currently being developed. 

Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

Apart from the emerging technologies, many sustainable transportation initiatives are being taken right now for the betterment of the future of transportation technology. Here are some such initiatives that are becoming more and more common to come across: 

1. Vehicle Incentives

Governments worldwide are now devising policies to reduce vehicle-caused pollution and ensure better air quality in urban regions. Incentives for electric cars and vehicles that use renewable energy as fuel are some of the most common policies that most governments are resorting to. Such policies are not only helping to reduce the amount of pollutants created by transportation but also helping ensure a better future for the next generation. 

2. Promotion of active transportation

Active transportation methods like biking and walking as a mode of transportation are being promoted heavily as sustainable transportation initiatives. Biking and walking are physical activities that can be really beneficial for people while also being one of the most sustainable options for transportation. Promotional campaigns like ‘Bike to work’ are a glimpse into the promotion of active transportation in today's times. However, it is important to acknowledge that active transportation is only feasible for shorter distances. In fact, it may not be feasible for a large part of the social demographic (people with disabilities and older folks). Thus, a need for better public transportation prevails. 

3. Shared cabs and carpooling

Traditional car ownership during a time when the population is constantly growing is the reason for congested roads. As the number of cars on the road rises, the amount of pollutants the vehicles produce also rises. In this case, sharing cab services and carpooling can be a great alternative to traditional car ownership. Whether shared airport pick-ups or carpooling to work, this alternative ownership option is more ecologically sustainable as fewer pollutants are produced.  

4. More eco-friendly public transportation 

Increased use of public transportation is one of the most economically convenient options for living sustainably. To ensure more people opt for public transportation, many initiatives have been taken to make the means of transportation better and more accessible. Introducing electric buses and Maglev trains are some of the most significant initiatives that have revolutionised the future of transportation technology landscapes globally. 

5. Green urban planning 

Eco-friendly urban planning is another exciting and effective initiative that is changing the future of transportation technology. The initiative lets local authorities plan their transportation infrastructure to use the land efficiently. Green urban planning and green accommodations also make sustainable transportation more accessible and convenient for many people. Construction of sidewalks, planned bicycle paths, and disabled-friendly infrastructure designs are examples of effective green urban planning. 

The future of transportation technology is one of the biggest factors affecting the world's future. As the economy expands and the environment deteriorates, sustainable transportation is the need of the hour, and advanced transportation technology is the key solution to it. Paired with a sustainable lifestyle and student discounts on clothes, advanced transportation technology can create the perfect ecosystem for students. Thus, for a better, safer, and greener future, the need for continuous development of transportation technology and rapid implementation of initiatives cannot be overlooked.