Flying cars once seemed like an idea that was years away from reality, but Uber announced earlier this year that flying taxis were already in the works—and Dallas would get to be the only U.S. city for the test phase. According to Bisnow, those plans moved a step closer to reality, as Hillwood Properties was named the official real estate partner for implementation.

Hillwood Properties, one of the leading developers in North Texas, was chosen as the partner for the creation of Uber Elevate’s “vertiports.” The vertiports are the helipads used for VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) sites for the flying vehicles. They may be on the roof of parking garages or on a pad site near buildings. 

The sites will be located and planned by Hillwood. Plans predict the vertiport bays are likely to require up to 1.5 acres. Each bay could accommodate up to 16 VTOL sites.

The VTOL aircraft are already in existence, and companies are vying to develop them for Uber Elevate. The aircraft are electric and the planned vertiport bays will have powerful charging units.

Each VTOL aircraft will be able to carry up to four passengers. Access to the Uber Elevate service will be available through the Uber app. Uber estimates that the commute between Downtown Dallas and Downtown Fort Worth, about 30 miles, would only take about 18 to 20 minutes, compared to the hour or more it can take by car.

Prices are expected to vary based on the time of day, with the cost increasing during standard commute times. Uber believes passengers will pay the premium for a faster form of travel during rush hour.

Before the service can be fully implemented, the Federal Aviation Association still has to update their regulations and ensure the vehicles’ safety. Uber hopes to roll out the program in 2024.