Yes, this is a thing.
Flying cars could be in Fort Worth by 2020, thanks to a recently announced venture by Uber to create a ridesharing service for the air. According to Wired, Uber is teaming up with several aviation companies -- including Fort Worth's Bell Helicopter -- to develop the aircraft, which are being dubbed "VTOLs," or vertical take-off and landing vehicles. Uber plans to build an electric VTOL network that offers transporation and delivery services to multiple cities, the first being the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Dubai.
Bell Helicopter will work to develop technology that will allow aircraft to travel short distances in an urban setting. The aircraft will be hybrid electric, with eventual plans to become fully electric.
Uber is also teaming up with Hillwood Properties to scout locations and develop "vertiports" where aircraft can take off and land.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price took to social media Tuesday following the announcement at the Uber Elevate Summit, tweeting that she is "thrilled" about the project.
Flying cars by 2020?!Thrilled @Uber chose Fort Worth&Dallas as 1st US cities for #uberelevate program https://t.co/pB2LcxBaN8 @Mike_Rawlings
— Betsy Price (@MayorBetsyPrice) April 25, 2017
The aircraft will still need approval from the FAA in order to operate. Nonetheless, having a future with flying cars isn't as far away as it may seem.