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What we need are electricity powered flying cars. Then we can have green, walk-able cities and can use all that open space above us for transportation. We'll need some new kind of flying technology though, cos nobody wants to hear the loud noise of wind blades or deal with all the air pushing downwards. Perhaps hover "paths" where grass is below and not tarmac?

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Flying buses would be much better than flying cars. Make a type of aeroplane that can do short flights (<20 miles between towns). Use capacitors that can be recharged between flights, and have an idling conventional engine in case of emergency. Even at relatively low speeds this could dramatically improve commute times.

Electric air taxis would be great for commuters. You would have to streamline check-in and security though. People will ditch their cars for a faster trip time.

Consider this scenario for a 20 mile commute: 1) Bike or walk one mile to local air strip ( a converted road) 2) 18 mile electric flight to destination town. 3) Bike or walk one mile to office from landing strip.

Takeoff and landing must be silent and fast. See http://electrictakeoff.com for an example.

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