It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a new way to travel in Macon
MACON, Ga. -- "We're in the new age now and it's time to be on the cutting edge of technology," said Macon Mayor Lester Miller.
What you're used to seeing at the fair or even an amusement park, you could soon see on your daily commute.
"You can be suspended about 15 feet in the air in a cart and go from one location to the next," Miller described, "You can avoid accidents and it's a lot safer but it's also pretty cool."
A "JPOD" is the pretty cool mode of transportation the mayor is talking about.
Georgia Mobility Company is the brain behind them. The company describes the solar-powered pods as similar to a personal car, carrying one to six people through the air.
"I think Macon's going to be one of their first locations," Miller shared.
You read that right-- JPODS could be in the skies right in Macon after Mayor Miller signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or agreement that signals the county is willing to move forward with a contract.
Other networks the company is establishing across the state are in Atlanta; near the airport, College Park, Union City, and in Henry County.
According to Miller, he and the company will be bringing the idea to the entire commission "in a very short period of time."
Possible rail line connections for the pods include downtown Macon, Mercer University, the Macon Mall, Atrium Navicent Health, and even Ocmulgee National Park.
If you've read this far, you're probably wondering about the cost, for that Miller doesn't have his head or the county's wallet in the clouds.
"There's no cost to Macon-Bibb County, that's the most important thing," he boasts.
Miller says because Georgia Mobility Company is a private company, the biggest thing the county has to provide is space and opportunity. He believes the company can take advantage of federal government funds like the new Infrastructure Bill.
The MOU asks the company to create the necessary parking space and pay the county 5% of its gross revenue they earn while requiring Macon-Bibb to make available the necessary right of ways and air rights.
According to Miller if the commission gives the company the green light it would take about two years before Maconites are flying high.
