Technology

After reading “The Railways in the Industrial Revolution” by Robert Wilde, I have decided to look at cars. I found Wilde’s article very interesting. It is hard to believe how far we as a society have come since 1767 when the a set of rails was created to move coal (Wilde).

The goal of the railroad was to move things, those “things” being anything from coal to people. I am a member of society who has taken a train over driving or riding in a car. While there is a satisfaction of driving and navigating yourself to a location, there is also a satisfaction in saving the environment by taking a communal form of transportation. Depending on the situation, a car might be a practical and easier to access. For the most part, I would say that people prefer to use cars over public transportation. The ease and control of getting somewhere and choosing to go somewhere is very essential.

I believe that our society is very dependant on cars. Many of my friends that are also students at the University of Tampa live on campus and own a car. They could use this car for grocery shopping, driving to work, or driving to fun activities. It is definitely possible to live and enjoy time with no car, but it is built up in out culture that a car and being able to get everywhere as soon as possible is a necessity.  

It made me wonder; in addition to the railroad and cars, what additional technology would be invented and used. Elon Musk reimagined the idea of the Hyperloop. In his article “Elon Musk thinks he can get you from NY to LA in 45 minutes,” Damon Lavrinc writes about Elon Musk’s ideas of revamping technology that was invented in the early 1900s and making it applicable today. It is insane how a normal 2 day and 18 hour trip using public transportation or 41 hour drive can be reduced to 45 minutes (see attached photos from google maps). Musk has some bold and unique inventions and they Hyperloop could truly increase the ease of cross-country travel. The hyperloop would be faster and more environmentally friendly than a plane.

The transition from cars to a hyperloop would definitely take time and many people must be willing to make the switch. I could potentially foresee a combination of cars and a hyperloop. This multi-sourced transportation vehicle could be a potential development in the future.

All in all, people want style and comfort when it comes to transportation. A train may not be as flashy and cool as a new car, but a hyperloop system (let alone other futuristic developments) will have a great impact on society and can help with the environment and success of the future.

Link to CNN hyperloop article: https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/16/tech/innovation/elon-musk-tube-transport/index.html