University of Texas researchers continue their work to assist the U.S. Army Research Labs in developing new rotor technology that will be used in Uber’s proposed urban aviation ride-share network called “Uber Air.” Chris Miller with Uber Elevate says they’ll be testing this out in Texas beginning in 2020. He noted Texas is a prime example of the urbanization you see across the world were more people are moving to dense urban areas. When you have that density you are able to connect people through the platform, share rides, and not have a vehicle parked downtown.
Miller said the plan is to begin commercial flights around North Texas, and to work with both NASA and the FAA to make sure the autonomous helicopters won’t interfere with airport flight paths. Miller beleives fares will begin at $6/mile, but long-term the plan is to get the cost down to closer to 44-cents/mile.
(PHOTO:SHUTTERSTOCK/f11photo)
