City of Austin plans for air taxis with electric takeoff vehicles

Austinites may soon be able to fly across the city instead of driving.

On Thursday, Austin’s Mobility Committee received an update on the growing interest in electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, or eVTOLs, commonly known as air taxis.

City officials said the aircraft could offer a cleaner and faster alternative to cars. Lift, a company testing the technology near the Long Center, has been operating in Austin this year.

Other companies are preparing to launch services in cities such as New York and Los Angeles.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a plan to speed up the nationwide adoption of air taxis. Austin leaders said they want to start working with the companies now rather than waiting until the technology takes off.