The Times, 28 May 2016,
High-speed amphibious taxis could be brought in within 12 months under plans to beat congestion in some of the most traffic-clogged cities.
A British firm has conducted the first successful test of the Humdinga, on the Thames near the O2 Arena
High-speed amphibious taxis could be brought in within 12 months under plans to beat congestion in some of the most traffic-clogged cities.
A British firm has conducted the first successful test of the Humdinga, on the Thames near the O2 Arena in a move that could halve journey times between east and west London.
A real ‘Humdinga’ of a commute
The vehicle seats up to nine people and wheels fold beneath the 23ft chassis in less than five seconds upon hitting water. It uses a carbon fibre chassis and a powerful engine to travel at more than 30mph on water — three times as fast as existing vehicles — and 80mph on land.
The inventor, Gibbs Technologies, based in Nuneaton, claims that it is close to a deal to mass-produce the amphibious taxi, which could be running on the Thames in a year or two. It added that the technology could be adapted to other cities, such as Glasgow, Liverpool, New York or San Francisco.
The Humdinga travels at more than 30mph on water
Official forecasts suggest that traffic levels will rise by a third in 25 years. The Department for Transport estimates that average morning rush-hour speeds could fall to less than 24mph in urban areas. In London, they could fall to 13mph.
The Thames has a speed limit of 12 knots — just under 14mph — and the vehicles would also have to be licensed by the Port of London Authority before carrying passengers.
Neil Jenkins, of Gibbs, which has been working on the technology for 20 years, said: “The Thames is severely underutilised and this is all about using it as a thoroughfare, as it was in the 1700s and 1800s.”
Gibbs has built eight vehicles, from a water motorbike and quad bike to a truck capable of carrying two tonnes. The fastest travel at more than 45mph on water and 80mph on land.