Planning has begun to accommodate future modes of transport in Perth that could include flying cars, delivery drones and tubes that move people at near supersonic speeds.

In its annual report tabled in State Parliament this week, Main Roads WA said technologies being developed around the world were being touted as solutions to transport problems.

“Integrating technology with physical infrastructure offers a great opportunity to innovate,” acting managing director Peter Woronzow said in the report.

“To ensure that WA is in a position to benefit from these emerging transport technologies, we will develop existing systems further ... and continue to explore new and innovative opportunities including the practical use of drones and video analytics.”

The report said that, over the past decade, the future of transport had been “re-imagined” and Main Roads needed to “adapt to take advantage of opportunities and to minimise risks”.

Camera Icon Terrafugia Inc. shows the company's prototype flying car, dubbed the Transition, during its first flight. Credit: AP Photo/Terrafugia.com

A reported $US111 billion had been invested worldwide in mobility technologies, including electric vehicles, self-driving cars, flying cars, delivery drones and a hyperloop high-speed transit system. A hyperloop transport system is part of US entrepreneur Elon Musk’s vision to carry passengers in pressurised tubes at near-supersonic speeds.

The report said technologies such as flying cars and hyperloops were in early development and Main Roads was “simply watching their progress”.

Play Video Daily commute could become just a few short minutes The West Australian Video Daily commute could become just a few short minutes

But other technologies, including electric vehicles, were nearing commercialisation and Main Roads needed to prepare for them.

“Global sales of electric vehicles are growing exponentially, although from a small market share,” the report said.

“Newer models generally have better range and are cheaper than their predecessors, meaning the market is expanding rapidly.

Camera Icon Concept vehicles for Uber's flying car project, UberAIR. Credit: Supplied

“Although uptake in Australia is slow, we need to start thinking about a future where electric vehicle sales are much larger.

“To prepare for this future, we are currently participating in the WA Government working group to support collaboration on electric vehicles.

“As a result, we have initiated a research project with the UWA, in partnership with other stakeholders to take a co-ordinated and strategic approach to planning for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.”