Pod transport impresses council

The system is expected to be cheap to run

A futuristic transport system for Derby is a step closer after city officials said they were impressed by a demonstration of the technology.

The Rapid Transit System employs a series of driverless cabs which move using sensors on a concrete track.

Supporters have claimed it will help alleviate congestion at a much lower cost than a tram.

Delegates from the city council went to a test track in Cardiff on Tuesday and said the idea was worth consideration.

It seems to me that personalised rapid transit is probably the future Pat Ethelstone, Derby City Council

The makers claim the electric cars cost as little as 1p a day to run and track comes in at £3m - £5m a kilometre to build.

Joan Travis, councillor for the Darley ward, said: "I am very impressed. I came thinking it would be far too expensive for us to invest in.

"But if we can persuade people to invest in this it would be very cheap to run.

"Just one wind turbine in Pride Park would more than run this and maybe the football stadium too."

City environment

Pat Ethelstone, chief engineer at the city council, said: "It seems to me that personalised rapid transit is probably the future.

"Somebody is going to do it so if it's a real possibility then Derby, with its history of engineering, should do it."

Mr Ethelstone acknowledged the system still had to be tested in a city environment.

Officials indicated the council would look to investors to back the scheme rather than rely on council tax or congestion charging.