As governments worldwide try to counter traffic congestion, Seoul is building the future by investing in drone taxis. Read to learn more.
In 2020, Seoul became home to more than 50% of South Korea’s total population. This has brought on many problems, a major one being traffic congestion.
Seoul’s current public transport system consists of an underground subway, bus routes, and taxis. The subway has twenty-two lines and is the most widely frequented metro line in the world.
The bus routes are extensive, facilitating millions of commutes throughout the city everyday. The city has an integrated system of express and commuter routes to meet public demand. The exclusive bus lane network also offers buses a separate lane to avoid other traffic. While these measures have been successful, buses are both victims as well as the culprits behind traffic lags.
Private cars only worsen this issue. According to Statista, a car exists for every two people in South Korea. To counter congestion, South Korea is investing in drone taxis. But can they solve the traffic trouble?
Can drone taxis solve congestion in Seoul?
With the Korea Times calling it ‘traffic hell,’ the situation in the capital city is dire. The use of private cars cannot be curbed beyond offering some incentivized schemes. And hence, the government hopes to eradicate the problem by taking taxis off the road and into the air.
Following are some advantages to drone taxis that will help popularise them as a mode of travel, thereby reducing traffic congestion.
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Time-saving
Even with air traffic, drone taxis can take more direct routes from one place to another. Driving on roads involves winding routes, traffic lights, and unnecessary pauses that can be eliminated with an airborne taxi.
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Reduces pollution caused by idle traffic
Drone taxis are currently okayed for short distances. With no traffic in the air, less fuel will be burned idling at a traffic light as well. The plan claims that its contribution to traffic pollution will be substantially lower than existing vehicles.
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More space for cyclists and pedestrians
With fewer vehicles on the road, exclusive lanes can be dedicated to cycling and walking. This will increase the adoption of these modes of transport, reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
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Reduced need for ground infrastructure
Roads are built over fields and through forests that support vital wildlife, polluting the environment during construction. Adopting drone taxis can reduce on-road traffic, reducing the need for new road projects. Also Read: The Future of the Electric Vehicle
Taking off
With prototypes already under safety testing, South Korea hopes to introduce UAM (Urban Air Mobility) technology commercially in 2025 to reduce traffic congestion as well as the total number of cars on the road.