A ride from Pod Parking A to Terminal 5 experiencing the fantastic Heathrow Pods, the personal, electric, rapid transit system.

It is incredible to think that this driverless transit system has been in place at London's Heathrow airport for more than 12 years now. The autonomous Pods connect Terminal 5 with the airport's Pod Parking area.

Each pod is designed to carry up to four people and their luggage (including pushchairs and bulky items). The pods do not require a ticket and are free to use. They operate on an 'on demand' basis, so there is no waiting around and no stops along the way. Just hop aboard and go!

The futuristically-styled pods are driverless and self-steering, and run automatically along designated guideways. They are electrically powered and travel on rubber wheels, giving a smooth quiet ride. A central computer monitors demand and ensures that pods are available at the right places at the right time. The Heathrow guideways are approximately 2.4 miles (3.8 km) long, and the journey time from the Car Park area to Terminal 5 is about five minutes.

The vehicles charge themselves by topping up their batteries at the stations and at designated parking areas around the system. The system works entirely automatically with a controller keeping a watchful eye over everything with the ability to manage any breakdowns or passenger issues. This POD transport system is an example of 'green transport' in action - it is energy efficient and low emission, and replaces an estimated 50,000 bus journeys per year. In addition it has considerably shortened journey times between Terminal 5 and Heathrow's Car Park areas.

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