The plan for low cost helicopter commutes across Greater Sydney to the CBD — dubbed UberAir — was earmarked by the international ride sharing company Uber as a new transport option to fight rising congestion issues.
Uber Aviation program co-ordinator Eric Allison revealed Sydney was short-listed to be the first international UberAir test city.
The program, which is expected to commence pilot testing from 2020 and commercial flights from 2023 to 2030, revealed travel times for several regions across Western Sydney including Parramatta, Norwest Business Park, Blacktown, Hornsby, Penrith and Rouse Hill to the Sydney CBD.
NSW Innovation Minister Matt Kean said the initiative was another example of how NSW is the innovation powerhouse of Australia and “strongly competing on the world stage”.
“I welcome any new technologies that will improve the lives of NSW citizens, especially when it comes to major issues like transport, and look forward to seeing how this trial will work and the outcomes that follow,” Mr Kean said.
“This innovative agenda is carving out the next generation of jobs and business for our country, and I’m so proud that NSW is leading the way.”
The full article by Jake McCallum can be read on the Hornsby Advocate Online.
