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‘Flying water taxis’ are coming to Paris – but NOT to London

The British capital missed out on the opportunity of having incredible machines on the River Thames

Paris is set to become the first country in the world to be served by enviromentally-friendly "flying river taxis".

The hi-tech gizmos are known as sea bubbles will sail down the capital's river at a top speed of 30 miles per hour.

 The hover taxis can hold five people and travel up to 30mph
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The hover taxis can hold five people and travel up to 30mphCredit: SEA BUBBLES

Designed by French sailor Alain Thébault and Swedish surfer Anders Bringdal, the shuttles are made of fiberglass and high-density foam and are solar powered with the ability to carry up to five people.

According to Thébault, there was a chance London could have had a similar scheme, but missed out due to its lack of cooperation.

 Fares should just cost £10
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Fares should just cost £10Credit: SEA BUBBLES

He later added that Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has been very cooperative in helping the project get off the ground, with Hidalgo helping the startup get off the ground.

“If London had helped us out I think we would have started out there,”

The yachtsman hopes that eventually his shuttles will be able to be hailed on apps such as Uber, and estimates fares will cost around £10.

A working prototype is expected to be displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

“Next spring we will hold a public demonstration on the Seine in front of the National Assembly (parliament) in Paris with five Sea Bubbles,” he said.


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