Uber announced Melbourne as a trial city, the national broadcaster ABC, decided to characterise the story with a science fiction slant by using the term “flying cars” and evoking Blade Runner.
At first I was spitting cornflakes at Alexa, screaming at her that the craft won’t be driving on roads and it should be described as a drone or helicopter taxi.
But “helicopter” or “drone” both have negative connotations for suburban and city dwellers and the ABC were putting a positive spin on the story by avoiding these terms.
“Flying taxi” the most appropriate choice of words?
Mjb