Futuristic Transit and transport methods in Fiction?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am doing a term paper for a transportation policy and analysis class.

My topic is: Futurists and Transit. I want to study forms of mass transit in fiction, and try to make a relation to what we could possibly see in our actual future.

For instance: Robert Heinlein wrote a story where roads were converted into giant, fast conveyor belts, changing the landscape and how people moved around.

In the movie version of Minority Report, people moved around in personal transport pods that ran on electricity - and ran up and down the sides of buildings.

I've got a few more, but that's the idea. I could use some help with more examples. Mass transit or personal transport is fine.

Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

What about tube technology like 2 Kings says...or the Jetsons? And HELLO, where are the flying cars already???

Answer 2

With the current increasing cost of a car, the cost of maintenance, insurance, and fuel it will soon be too expensive for an average faimily to own more than one car, and for many families a car of their own will be financially imposible.
This will force two things to happen. Mass transit will have to become the norm for the common man (and woman) so our cities will have to focus on ways to more people around more effectively. The other result will be the resurgence of neighborhoods.
Before the 70's almost everythiing you needed could be found within walking distance of your home. When it is no longer feasible to drive 20 miles to a movie, a grocery store or a mall you will see the growth of neighborhood stores again. Many communities will offer local shuttles, local shopping complexes, and enertainment facilities right in the area.
The average cost of a car last year was $27,900 (Comerica bank) That is up from 3700 in 1970. At that rate by 2026 the average cost will be over 100K.
Will we go back to a single income family when cars are too expensive to have more than one of? Will Mom's again stay at home? Will neighbors once again get to know each other when they stop running all over town and only sleep at home?

Answer 3

Look up sci-fi transportation in literature on Yahoo. You may find what you need.