At its April 22 meeting, the Great Park Board authorized City staff to enter into negotiations with Swyft Cities for an initial operating segment of the Whoosh aerial transport system at the Great Park in Irvine. This includes a donation from Swyft Cities that would accelerate its installation and operation. The Board’s approval is a significant step toward increased mobility, connectivity, and overall visitor experience at the Great Park.

The Whoosh system is an innovative transportation solution featuring fully electric-powered, autonomous, elevated transport vehicles that travel in the sky on a fixed cableway. The vehicles can reach up to 30 miles per hour and can accommodate up to 10,000 passengers per hour.

“With the implementation of the Whoosh system, Irvine will lead the nation in transportation innovation,” Great Park Board Chairman and Irvine City Councilmember Mike Carroll said. “As a City that leads with forward-thinking ideas and smart solutions, it’s only natural that we are in negotiations to incorporate this cutting-edge mobility system to link key Great Park amenities and create a truly unified, world-class municipal park.”

Connectivity and mobility options are a critical component of the Great Park Framework Plan. This is due in part to the sheer size of the Great Park, which at 1,347 acres spans two miles from east to west, and two miles from north to south — larger than San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, San Diego’s Balboa Park, and even New York’s Central Park. The initial Whoosh system segment being contemplated would connect the recently approved Canopy retail shopping center with the Visitors Center, Great Park Balloon, and Sports Complex.

A prototype of the Whoosh system and a digital experience inside the vehicle will be featured at the upcoming State of the Great Park, delivered by Great Park Chairman Mike Carroll. The address is Tuesday, May 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Great Park Live. This is a one-of-a-kind, interactive community experience, where residents, neighbors, and visitors can explore the past, celebrate the present, and envision the exciting future of one of the nation’s most ambitious public projects.

To learn more about the State of the Great Park, visit stateofthegreatpark.org.