Amazon is always experimenting with new ways to optimize shipping efficiency, while reducing shipping time and costs. Earlier this week, an Amazon patent application to use public transportation such as buses, trains, and subways was made public. The patent would allow Amazon to either use public transportation as a delivery service, or as a roaming pickup location.

This innovation in shipping can be useful to commuters who ride the same form of public transportation on a daily basis, or people who live in rural areas, with no easy or cheap access to at-home delivery. They can choose to have their package delivered to them on public transportation, or at the transportation stop. This can be useful to both Amazon, and the package recipients, because Amazon can reduce the amount of delivery locations, and the recipient can specify exactly when and where they would like to receive their package.

This new service requires Amazon to have precise timing within their delivery services so that they can make sure packages are where they need to be at the previously specified time. This is essential to upholding their service model, yet also a challenge, as public transportation is subject to unforeseeable delays and disruptions. Other obstacles regarding the safety and size of the packages may also stand in the way of the success of this particular delivery service.

Can this new way of delivery overcome obstacles and become successful?

To find out more details about this possible delivery service by Amazon, read the original article: http://www.geekwire.com/2015/amazon-envisions-package-pickups-on-public-transit-using-lockers-on-buses-trains-and-subways/