Meteooride

Meteooride is a term used in speculative transportation theory and science fiction to describe a class of compact, autonomous personal transport devices intended for rapid urban and peri-urban travel. In descriptions, Meteooride pods are modular units designed to operate on dedicated guideways and on-demand networks, enabling quick point-to-point movement with minimal ground infrastructure.

Design concepts emphasize safety and interoperability. Core elements include a pod-based chassis, automated guidance systems, and energy sources drawn from advanced batteries or compact propulsion cells. Some visions propose magnetic levitation or air-bearing wheels to allow smooth travel on mixed terrain. A recurring feature is interoperability across pod sizes, from single-passenger to small cargo configurations, using swappable batteries or rapid recharge cycles.

The Meteooride concept emerged in late 21st-century urban mobility discourse and has appeared in speculative fiction and design studies as a response to dense cities and climate concerns. While not implemented as a mass transit system, it has influenced discussions of modular micro-mobility and the development of next-generation transit hubs.

Variants described in literature and design studies include passenger pods, cargo pods, and emergency-response units. In many imagined settings, Meteooride operates via autonomous routing networks, centralized traffic coordination, and predefined corridors. Some proposals envision integration with other modes, such as vertical takeoff pads or subterranean guideways, to create multimodal networks.

Reception is mixed: supporters highlight potential reductions in congestion and faster commutes, while critics raise concerns about safety, energy efficiency, and equity. Large-scale deployment would likely require substantial infrastructure, regulation, and public legitimacy.