NEW Heathrow POD cars - full ride from London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 to Business Car Park B

London Heathrow Airport's innovative new Ultra POD transport system connects Terminal 5 with the airport's extensive Business Car Park areas. The British-developed system is one of the first examples of new personal rapid transit technology that could benefit many parts of the world in the future.

Each pod is designed to carry up to four people and their luggage (including pushchairs and bulky items) in temperature-controlled comfort. The pods do not require a ticket and are free to use. They operate on an 'on demand' basis, so there is no waiting around for timetabled services, and no stops along the way. Just jump in and go!

The futuristically-styled pods are driverless and self-steering, and run automatically along designated tracks (called 'glideways'). They are electrically powered and travel on rubber wheels, giving a smooth quiet ride. A central computer monitors demand and ensures that pods are available at the right places at the right time. The Heathrow glideways are approximately 2.4 miles (3.8 km) long, and the journey time from Terminal 5 to the Business Car Park areas is about five minutes.

This POD transport system is an example of 'green transport' in action - it is energy efficient and low emission, and replaces an estimated 50,000 bus journeys per year. In addition is has considerably shortened journey times between Terminal 5 and Heathrow's Business Car Parks.

[lisaemilyfox]

They're so cute. I wish this is how we got around all the time! I didn't think they'd go so fast!

[tjfSIM]

We've arrived in the future! This is really cool, I've seen these cars zipping around while watching the planes landing, but never ridden on one. I think this has to be the future for urban transport - quiet, efficient and comfortable - it's positively utopian!

[DaiLusional]

I was waiting for the Jurassic Park music to start playing... 😆

[Ketta]

u dont even need to visit theme parks anymore just go to a airport lmao

[markorollo.]

I think I actually love these things lol. they would be good as public transport for people like me, I'm a wheelchair user and don't like crowds, specially on things like trams where you sometimes get crowded by people standing around you, or buses (if I can actually get on one) so a pod that would only be used by myself and people I knew, or just me by myself would be wonderful.

[Prem-bekg]

I love this. Its just a fast way of going from one place to another. The big difference is you dont have to wait for a bunch of people to get on you can just go on by yourself as a family. And you dont have to keep stopping. You can just go at once. This is really awesome and great!!!

[alexanderbelleteste]

Omg it reminds of the incredibles when mister incredible runs around that desert island and you can see similar looking pods driving around

[susanellis]

Takes me back to a TV series. The Jetsons.

[gavincrowley]

You are going ti the fricking future, please press start

[carolinekelly]

Hello, thank you kindly for sharing this great engineering FRIENDS!!!! I never knew these POD CARS existed?? Were they around in 2004?? I have never seen or heard of them before. Absolutely marvellous AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGY that gives me hope. I appreciate you connecting!!! I have learned something

[solomonjonathan]

Heathrow is the Best Airport i've ever seen. The services they provide are great.

[Statimtek]

Looks like this has been around for a while, but that is absolutely brilliant.We need more systems like this.

[casimirsavage]

Feel like I'm watching that scene from The Incredibles 🤣

[scottdouglas]

'Open the pod bay doors, Hal!'
'Sorry, Dave, I can't do that!'
"Bollucks!!!!''
Seriously, it looks like a great application of modern technology.

[BD]

What a great place for a quickie as you on your way!

[KARTAVIDEOTRAINS]

Incredibly all systems appear automatic. Very sophisticated. Your country is great in technology. Hopefully our country can miss out on developed countries like your country. greetings from Indonesia

[SCskiACE]

There is one in the United States. It is called the PRT in Morgantown West Virginia it stands for the personal rapid transit system it goes through the whole university

[alexleo]

Instead for taking a lonely pod train to press the button. Take a skytrain in the Eastern airport of Singapore, Changi Airport. Watch cinema, enjoy in the pool and others!

[derekharris]

This makes me think of something from the movie total recall.

[Kristen]

OH MY GOD, WE'RE IN THE FUTURE.