Transport

In this alternate timeline, the Age of Sail has continued well into the 21st century, with significant improvements in rigging and design making sailing ships more efficient and maneuverable than ever before. These innovations have facilitated the continued use of sailing ships for oceanic trade, exploration, and even military purposes.

Cutting-edge sailing technologies have enabled faster and more efficient travel between continents, while naval forces largely continue to rely on sail-powered vessels for combat. However, maritime shipping has also had to contend with the challenge of increasingly changing weather patterns as a result of global warming.

Balloons and Dirigibles

Hot air balloons were discovered earlier in this timeline, leading to significant advancements in balloon technology. By the end of the 19th century, fixed-wing airplanes had been invented but never gained the same traction as in our timeline.

Instead, dirigible craft became the primary method of air travel. Though slower and less versatile than fixed-wing aircraft, dirigible technology advanced to the point of covering reasonable distances at great heights. Lighter-than-air flotillas of dirigibles are now used for both intercontinental passenger transport and military applications.

Canal Networks

With advancements in hydraulic engineering, canal networks became a preferred method for inland transport. Canals connected major ports to inland cities, allowing goods to travel further and faster than ever before. Networks of man-made waterways allowed for extensive trade between regions and also provided irrigation for agriculture.

The economies of inland areas benefited greatly from the easier and cheaper transport of goods, while canal maintenance and construction provided jobs for many workers. Today, expansive canal networks continue to serve as vital arteries for international trade.

Vehicles

In this timeline, the development and adoption of the personal automobile have been limited due to concerns about pollution and the potential impact on communities. Instead, the focus has shifted toward collective transportation options such as streetcars and intercity trains.

Consequently, concentrated urban and suburban areas have highly developed public transportation systems, while limited infrastructure is devoted to private car use. Collective transportation alternatives to the automobile, such as electric trams and buses, have greatly expanded in both scope and efficiency.

Railroads

In this timeline, rail transportation has predominantly been utilized for heavy freight and long-distance intercity travel, rather than as a significant means of intracity transportation. Rail infrastructure has prioritized connectivity between critical industrial centers and ports.

Unlike in our timeline, commuter rail services in metropolitan areas have not expanded in the same way, with public transportation focused on streetcars and other mass transit options. Consequently, railways have tended to emphasize capacity and efficiency over passenger comfort and convenience, with relatively few dedicated passenger services.