Japanese startup aims to address the issue of traffic congestion in Asia through the creation of self-driving aerial tramways powered by electric vehicles (EVs). This innovative venture, named Zip Infrastructure and established in 2018, is striving to construct these automated tram systems at a fraction of the cost of traditional alternatives.

Zip Infrastructure is gearing up to present a proposal for its inaugural commercial project in Japan by March 2025 and has ambitions to enter the global market by as early as 2029. The company’s Head of Business Development, Mario Ian Carlos Ferido Rebonquin, envisions a transportation network in countries like the Philippines that can rival Japan’s well-established systems.

The initial endeavor involves vying for a small-scale transport initiative within Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo. If successful, Zip anticipates launching tram operations by 2027. Rebonquin acknowledges the heightened demand for cost-effective transportation solutions abroad. Even achieving success with a modest project in Japan could bolster the company’s approach to the international market as a symbol of innovative ‘Made in Japan’ technology.

According to Zip’s projections, the cost of constructing a Zip tramway is around 1.5 billion yen ($10 million) per kilometer, a significant reduction compared to the approximately 10 billion yen required for conventional monorails or railways. Zip’s tram cars weigh approximately 2 metric tonnes each, only a fraction of the weight of a typical railway car, which lessens the infrastructure needed for support.

Each car is equipped with an electric battery and motor, akin to those found in EVs. The company’s prototype is even constructed from a repurposed Japanese electric vehicle. Notably, these cars can travel on both steel rails and cables, allowing for more intricate routes and reduced expenses. While cables are less expensive, they are limited to straight paths, whereas rails are pricier but essential for curved routes.

Rebonquin notes the versatility of Zip’s system, particularly its applicability in urban areas where traditional modes of transportation are impractical. The company envisions implementing its system over existing roadways, negating the necessity for additional land development.

A specific scenario in the Philippines exemplifies the company’s vision. A 2- to 3-kilometer route connecting the central district of Makati, a bustling business hub near Manila, is ideal. Currently, the city lacks railway connections, forcing office workers to undertake a 20-minute walk or drive from the nearest station, leading to traffic congestion due to taxi and ride-hailing app usage.

While similar transit systems are being developed by startups like Swyft Cities in the U.S. and Ottobahn in Germany, Zip Infrastructure contends that it has an edge due to its capacity for larger rolling stock, capable of accommodating up to 12 passengers. Although smaller than an urban subway, Zip’s system is designed to complement, rather than replace, existing major transportation infrastructure.