Beyond Self-Driving Cars: 12 Upcoming Innovations In Transportation And Travel

From Forbes.com (June 21):

For decades, the self-driving car was an unrealized technological dream. Though much research has been conducted and many prototypes have been developed over the years, it wasn't until very recently that truly functional autonomous consumer vehicles moved into the realm of possibility.

Though there's still a long way before the wider general public starts using self-driving cars, that hasn't stopped tech companies from beginning to develop the next innovations in transportation. Here are 12 candidates for the "next big thing" in travel, according to Forbes Technology Council.

1. Flying Drone Cars

Companies have been working on a flying drone car that will look like a mini helicopter. It looks like the first ones may be one- or two-seaters, but it will definitely change the way we travel. - Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster

2. Financial Services For Transportation

While there are some interesting technical innovations in transportation, the biggest changes I think will be around innovations in financial services that change the way we buy, rent and borrow transportation services. Recent innovations such as car sharing from BMW and the like will have a faster, more direct impact. - Sultan Meghji, Virtova

3. Air Travel Improvements

Ground transportation has always been in second place to air travel. The airline business has stagnated since the 1960s and this vertical is ripe for change. Transportation of people in a quick and more humane way over long distances is the goal. Everything from manufacturing to actual flight is due for an overhaul. Technology will need to leapfrog the industry and its bureaucracy to win. - Tom Roberto, Core Technology Solutions  [read more]