And now a California startup wants to add a retro-futurist option to the commuter menu: flying cars.
Jersey Digs reports that Kitty Hawk Corp. has sought permission to erect a test hangar and a dock somewhere along Hudson Street in Jersey City for its Flyer, a small fan-driven craft that zips along at a height of about 10 feet.
The company submitted an application with the state Department of Environmental Protection in August and told Jersey Digs that Jersey City is one of a number of locations the company is considering for its roll out. Kitty Hawk is funded by Larry Page, who co-founded Google.
The company says the Flyer, a one-seater with two outrigger-style extensions on either side that serve as mounts for 10 electric-powered fans -- can fly up to 20 mph.
In an earlier interview the company's CEO said the Flyer could travel from Jersey City to Times Square in just a few minutes at an energy cost of just 10 cents.
"It would be transformational to almost every person I know," the CEO, Sebastian Thrun, said.
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