Zooma – A Feasible Pathway for Australia’s Next Infrastructure Paradigm

Abstract: There are many paradigms that could shape this century’s infrastructure in Australia and indeed the world. This paper outlines one feasible pathway to fill a glaring gap in public transport within our cities and do this whereas addressing a number of pressing social, environmental , and economic needs including providing transport users an alternative to the car and truck, reducing congestion in cities, promoting renewable energy sources, returning ‘people space’ to cities and suburbs, and making it a healthier and happier space to name a few. The pathway outlined in this paper involves using a fully-automated small vehicle system called Gazelle. The system uses linear motors for propulsion and an air cushion for frictionless levitation of the vehicle. Contactless electromagnetic switching allows the vehicles to be routed across the track network. It is selfsufficient in renewable energy. Use of vertical space facilitates safe automation and allows continued use of most ground vehicles. Citation: Chorvat, T. (2014). Zooma – A Feasible Pathway for Australia’s Next Infrastructure Paradigm. In: Campbell P. and Perez P. (Eds), Proceedings of the International Symposium of Next Generation Infrastructure, 1-4 October 2013, SMART Infrastructure Facility, University of Wollongong, Australia.