Seriously. It seems that despite their well-publicized speed and economy, no one is willing to give SeaBubbles a permanent home. Once intended as water taxis on the Seine in Paris, they’ve now run into snags in their quest for a test early this summer on Lake Geneva.
Several Swiss government agencies raised issues about the impact on wildlife and fisheries from building landing points, and about the visual impact of the docks. Also, CGN, which operates Lake Geneva ferries claims that the test would endanger their boats.
The hydrofoil boats, which hover about 70 cm above the water and are powered by small electric motors which are charged by solar power, were first pitched as a green solution to take cars off Paris bridges and to help clear the air.
After a brief test period, testing was ended, although the company hopes to try Paris again late this year. There was also a test in Lyon (video below).
