Image courtesy of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies
Imagine hurling through a tube in a pod at 600 mph, accomplishing the 400-plus mile trip from L.A. to San Francisco (and back again) in about half an hour, instead of six hours by road.
Called the "Hyperloop," the concept was dreamed up by Elon Musk, CEO of electric car maker Tesla Motors and commercial spaceflight pioneer SpaceX. USA Today reports that a recently-released report by Hyperloop Transportation Technologies addresses the crucial issues that need resolution before actual construction can begin.
The basic design hearkens back to pneumatic tubes used by banks and newspapers in big cities during the mid-20th century, but it will be assisted by what the report calls "magnetic acceleration," and adds that the system will be solar-powered. Materials for the tube itself are still being finalized, with leading contenders being fiberglass or steel.
These futuristic train cars are dubbed "aerodynamic pods," and will be about the size of vans. There will be three types of pods, luxury, economy, and freight. Ticket prices are projected at $20-$30, but since the total cost of the project is estimated to be $16 billion, this could increase.
The initial idea puts the Hyperloop between L.A. and S.F., but other intercity routes are being considered. "If this same overall price point were preserved for other city pairings, it could dramatically change the way people live and work in cities," the report states.
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