Underground pipe network could transport goods under cities

The start-up company Magway has developed a way to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion by transporting online orders through a network of pipes. 

The transportation system would work by a magnetic wave of electrical currents driving multiple tote bags down a network of new and existing underground, overground and suspended pipes.

According to the company, the pipe network would significantly reduce air pollution and congestion which is caused by the millions of delivery vans and lorries that are on our road annually.

Magway will initially provide short delivery routes in and out of major airport hubs such as London Heathrow.

Following this, construction work will commence around 2023 on the first of its longer routes of up to 100kms.

Magway has opened up its second phase of funding for their idea and they are looking to generate £750,000 with anyone able to invest.

Rupert Cruise, co-founder and managing director of Magway said: ‘As e-commerce sales increase alongside quicker internet deliveries, with new one-hour slots promised by retailers such as Amazon, delivery traffic on the UK’s already congested road network will continue to rise, further impacting air pollution.’

‘As the first major economy in the world to legally commit to zero emissions by 2050, the UK Government has taken positive steps towards reducing global warming. However, how we reach this target is another question.’

‘With no clear plan in place, not enough is being done to address the future of our transport infrastructure and, more importantly, how to tackle the problem of dangerous levels of air pollution.’

‘We need big ideas that will change the way we currently deliver goods and the face of transport for years to come.’

‘The funding round will take the development work that we’ve already completed to the next level of a commercial pilot and move the UK closer to providing a lower-carbon, less congested and safer transport infrastructure.’

In related news, DPD UK has taken delivery of 10 EAV P1 Electric-assist cargo bikes — the result of a partnership with Oxford-based manufacturer EAV.

Five of the unique bio-mechanical hybrid electric-assisted pedal bikes are currently being tested on the streets of London, York, and Newbury to help support British manufacturing and exporting abroad.

Photo Credit – Magway