Flying Public Transportation: Trains, Buses, Mini-Buses, and Cable Cars Reinvented with Propeller-Based VTOL Systems

Flying Public Transportation: Trains, Buses, Mini-Buses, and Cable Cars Reinvented with Propeller-Based VTOL Systems

Abstract

The evolution of public transportation is entering a new dimension—literally. Propeller-based Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) systems are enabling a class of flying transit vehicles that operate without the constraints of roads, tracks, or cables. This article presents a comprehensive overview of how trains, buses, mini-buses, and cable cars can be reimagined as electric flying vehicles, offering zero-emission, scalable, infrastructure-light transit solutions for both urban and remote settings. The analysis explores system architectures, propulsion methods, integration strategies, and deployment challenges, grounded in the latest eVTOL technology developments.

1. Introduction

The increasing limitations of ground-based public transport—traffic congestion, infrastructure costs, land use constraints, and environmental impact—are driving interest in airborne alternatives. eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technologies, powered by distributed propeller systems, offer a flexible, clean, and modular solution.

This article proposes the reinvention of four key public transport types using eVTOL systems:

  • Flying Trains

  • Flying Buses

  • Flying Mini-Buses

  • Flying Cable Cars

Each system addresses specific use cases, capacities, and transit distances, unified by VTOL propulsion, electric drive systems, and digital traffic management.

2. Propulsion and Control Architecture

2.1 Propeller-Based VTOL Systems

All vehicle types operate on a common principle: vertical lift via distributed propellers, transitioning to horizontal cruise with either tilting mechanisms or dual propulsion modes.

  • Lift Propellers: Provide vertical take-off and hover.

  • Tilt Rotors: Transition to forward flight.

  • Cruise Fans: Maintain speed during horizontal travel.

Power is supplied by lithium-sulfur or solid-state batteries, with options for solar augmentation or hydrogen fuel cell hybrids.

2.2 Flight Control

  • AI-assisted autopilot systems

  • LIDAR, radar, optical navigation for dense environments

  • V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) and V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure) connectivity

  • Real-time rerouting based on weather, traffic, or emergencies

3. System Typologies

3.1 Flying Train

  • Configuration: Modular aerial units connected mid-air or during takeoff

  • Capacity: 40–200 passengers

  • Use Case: Inter-city or airport transit corridors

  • Flight Mode: Coordinated formation flying

  • Landing: At large skyports or city-to-city terminals

3.2 Flying Bus

  • Configuration: Standard-sized aerial buses operating on fixed routes

  • Capacity: 15–30 passengers

  • Use Case: Urban commuting, cross-city movement

  • Flight Mode: Point-to-point

  • Landing: Bus stations, elevated stops, office zones

3.3 Flying Mini-Bus

  • Configuration: Compact 2–6 passenger VTOL vehicles

  • Use Case: Last-mile connectivity, suburban feeders, on-demand mobility

  • Flight Mode: Shared or solo, app-based dispatch

  • Landing: Transit hubs, rooftops, compact pads

3.4 Flying Cable Car

  • Configuration: Aerial shuttle vehicles replicating gondola functionality

  • Use Case: Tourism, valley crossings, scenic or remote access

  • Flight Mode: Fixed aerial corridors (geofenced)

  • Landing: Mountain stations, waterfronts, theme parks

4. Infrastructure Requirements

Infrastructure Type Description
Skyports Elevated or rooftop platforms with charging and docking
Charging Stations Battery swap or rapid induction charging
Digital Corridors Digitally mapped air lanes and virtual aerial tracks
Intermodal Terminals Physical hubs linking buses, trains, and VTOL vehicles
Urban Traffic Management (UTM) Air traffic control for low-altitude autonomous systems

5. Advantages of VTOL Public Transit

  • No rail or cable infrastructure needed

  • Fast deployment in any geography (urban, rural, mountainous, coastal)

  • Reduced travel time by avoiding traffic and terrain

  • Zero emissions with clean electric propulsion

  • Dynamic routing based on real-time demand and congestion

  • Disaster resilience with autonomous emergency deployment

  • Intermodal flexibility with buses, metros, and high-speed rail

6. Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Challenge Solution Pathway
Battery energy density Advancements in lithium-sulfur & solid-state batteries
Weather sensitivity Enhanced AI weather prediction and VTOL stabilization
Public acceptance Regulatory oversight, transparency, public pilots
Safety certification International eVTOL standards and flight audits
Noise in urban zones Ducted propellers and flight over pre-zoned corridors
Airspace integration Seamless UTM and civilian ATC collaboration

7. Use Case Scenarios

  • Smart Cities: Integrated into mass transit systems as vertical extensions

  • Tourism & Nature Access: Routes to islands, parks, mountaintops

  • Disaster Response: Fast, flexible deployment of supplies and evac teams

  • Low-Infrastructure Regions: Leapfrogging roads in developing areas

  • Nighttime Urban Mobility: Safe, secure aerial commute in off-peak hours

8. Conclusion

Propeller-based VTOL systems provide the technical foundation for a new class of flying public transportation that is modular, scalable, and sustainable. Reinventing trains, buses, mini-buses, and cable cars through electric flight enables cities to bypass many of the spatial and financial barriers inherent in ground infrastructure.

As energy storage, regulatory frameworks, and air traffic systems mature, these vehicles may become a mainstream solution to the world’s growing transportation needs — lifting mass transit above the limitations of the ground.

Let me know if you'd like:

  • A visual schematic of all 4 flying modes

  • A business plan or white paper format

  • Infographics or slide deck for presentations

  • Translations (Hebrew, French, Chinese, etc.)

  • A PDF or printable report version

Relevant links:

Flying bus


Propeller Flight Frame System – AI-Powered Aerial Transport for Heavy Objects

Hover Mobility: The Future of Scooters and Skateboards – Regular and Hybrid Designs

Free-Moving Submarine Mobility System: Public, Private, and Cargo Transportation | by Ronen Kolton Yehuda | May, 2025 | Medium

Flight-Ready Intelligence: Smart Glasses, Helmets, and Shoes in Advanced Aviation Suits

The Flying & Diving Trains of Peace, Hope, and Prosperity

Air/ Flying Bases & Stations, surfaces: The Future of Airborne Infrastructure

Free-Moving Submarine Train for Passengers and Cargo

Free-Moving Submarine Cable Cars - Ronen Kolton Yehuda

Free-Moving Submarine Mobility System: Public, Private, and Cargo Transportation

Hybrid Security Patrol Vehicle: Drive, Dive, Fly, Defend

Villan

Authored by: Ronen Kolton Yehuda (MKR: Messiah King RKY)
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