The plan for low cost helicopter commutes across Greater Sydney to the CBD — dubbed UberAir — was earmarked by the international ride sharing company Uber as a new transport option to fight rising congestion issues.

Uber Aviation program co-ordinator Eric Allison revealed Sydney was short-listed to be the first international UberAir test city.

The program, which is expected to commence pilot testing from 2020 and commercial flights from 2023 to 2030, revealed travel times for several regions across Western Sydney including Parramatta, Norwest Business Park, Blacktown, Hornsby, Penrith and Rouse Hill to the Sydney CBD.

Mr Allison said Uber Air would fly commuters across cities in the near future — providing a mass transport solution “that everyone can afford”.

“In pursuit of our first international launch market, where you will be able to push a button and get a flight, we are announcing a shortlist of five countries where UberAir can immediately transform transportation and take our technology to new heights,” he said.

It is understood the ride sharing’s aviation team has already pitched the program to the NSW Government and the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

“Australia has already taken significant steps to embrace the future of urban aviation,” Mr Allison said.

UberAir estimated travel times and cost

Moore Park to Sydney CBD (4.5km trip) —6 minute commute — $43

Bondi to Sydney CBD (7km trip) — 7 minute commute — $70

North Ryde to Sydney CBD (10km trip) — 7 minute commute — $77

Chatswood to Sydney CBD (8km trip) — 7 minute commute — $75

Strathfield to Sydney CBD (12km) — 8 minute commute — $116

Sydney Olympic Park to Sydney CBD (13.5km trip) — 8 minute commute — $110

Hurstville to Sydney CBD (20km trip) — 10 minute commute — $126

Parramatta to Sydney CBD (20km trip) — 10 minute commute — $148

Baulkham Hills to Sydney CBD (23km trip) — 11 minute commute — $141

Manly to Sydney CBD (8km trip) — 12 minute commute — $95

Blacktown to Sydney CBD (30km trip) — 12 minute commute —$183

Norwest Business Park to Sydney CBD (27km trip) — 12 minute commute — $171

Rouse Hill to Sydney CBD (32km trip) — 13 minute commute — $191

Penrith to Sydney CBD (40km trip) — 15 minute commute —$314

Hornsby to Sydney CBD (20km trip) — 19 minute commute — $155

Central Coast to Sydney CBD (60km trip) — 20 minute commute

Uber Australia and New Zealand general manager Susan Anferson said the program would be a gamechanger for transport in Sydney.

“Australian Governments have led the world in recognising the benefits of ridesharing and this progressive approach sets a strong foundation for the next generation of innovation,” Ms Anderson said.

“We had the opportunity to meet with local regulators and policymakers recently, and look forward to commencing more detailed conversations about the potential for bringing Uber Air to Australia.

“For this vision to become a reality we will need to plan ahead in partnership with cities and regulators to ensure we create an urban aviation rideshare network that is safe, environmentally conscious and supports multi-modal transport options.”

UberAir would see commuters order an on-demand air service through the existing ride sharing app, with pick up locations based at local ‘skyports’.

An Uber Australia spokeswoman said pricing around trips would reduce over time.

“The costs will start around the current cost of taking an UberBLACK with prices dropping to an UberX cost within a few years from launch,” she said. “Our plan is for this to be a mass transport solution that everyone can afford — not just the wealthy.”

The spokeswoman said Uber Skyports would be built in town centres across Greater Sydney in a similar style to commuter carparks.

“If utilising helicopter pads on top of buildings is an easier way to start, then this could be expected,” the spokeswoman said.

It is understood the vehicles would, in the future, be driverless.

While the helicopters will be manned in the initial stages of the program, it is understood Uber will go towards utilising driverless vehicles.

NSW Innovation Minister Matt Kean said the initiative was another example of how NSW is the innovation powerhouse of Australia and “strongly competing on the world stage”.

“I welcome any new technologies that will improve the lives of NSW citizens, especially when it comes to major issues like transport, and look forward to seeing how this trial will work and the outcomes that follow,” Mr Kean said.

“This innovative agenda is carving out the next generation of jobs and business for our country, and I’m so proud that NSW is leading the way.”