Why Buses and Trains Are the Smart Choice Over Space Flights: A Column on Sustainable Travel

While space tourists were making headlines with their high-altitude adventures, significant changes were happening on Earth that deserve our attention.

The New Shepard flight on April 14, led by Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, took six passengers to an altitude of 106 kilometers for over ten minutes. Among them were two former NASA scientists and some well-known celebrities, including Bezos’s fiancée.

Since 2021, commercial space flights have transformed from a concept into reality, with companies like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX leading the way. Just a few years ago, seeing non-astronauts in space was pure science fiction—a dream that is now tangible.

However, the price tag for such adventures is out of reach for most, with initial deposits on Blue Origin flights starting at around $208,000 Canadian dollars.

While space exploration captures imaginations, exciting developments are also occurring on the ground. Around the same time as the New Shepard launch, the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo showcased innovations such as flying cars and autonomous passenger drones—vehicles with no human pilot. Details on the pricing for these technologies remain unclear, but their potential is undeniable.

At ground level, transportation advancements are particularly noteworthy. China has been expanding its high-speed rail network since introducing it in 2008. These trains now reach speeds of up to 380 kilometers per hour. For example, a second-class ticket from Beijing to Shanghai, a distance of 1,318 kilometers, costs about $105 Canadian.

Meanwhile, Seoul has started rolling out driverless buses, initially operating at night and expanding to morning services by 2024. The cost for a ride is only about $1.16 Canadian—a bargain for such cutting-edge technology.

Back in British Columbia, intercommunity bus services have connected remote areas since 2018. The community of Summerland even introduced a free bus route to Penticton, transforming public mobility in the area.

Without rocket flights or flashy visuals, these ground-level innovations are vital for daily life. Public transportation empowers people, offering affordable commutes and freedom of movement. While the New Shepard flight may dazzle with its views, it doesn’t provide the same essential benefits as the advancements in our local transit systems.

As we marvel at what’s happening above us, it’s crucial not to overlook the game-changing developments closer to home. These innovations pave the way for a more connected and accessible future.

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Columnist|public transit|Space