TORONTO – Although it might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, Elon Musk’s high-speed transportation system Hyperloop is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc. – which has no affiliation with Musk or Tesla – has finalized a deal to build the first test track for the train system in California. The test track will cover a five mile stretch along Interstate 5 between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Musk revealed his idea for Hyperloop in a paper released to the public in 2013. The transportation system would shoot capsules full of people through a tube at approximately 800 miles per hour.
READ MORE: Inventor shares plans for super high-speed travel
The concept pulls together several proven technologies: Capsules would float on a thin cushion of air and draw on magnetic attraction and solar power to zoom through a nearly air-free tube. Because there would be so little wind resistance, they could top 700 mph and make the nearly 400-mile trip in about half an hour.
In late December, Hyperloop developers estimated that the transportation system could be ready for passengers in as few as ten years. Musk originally estimated US$6 billion for the project. However, in a report released in December, developers estimated the project could range anywhere from US$7 billion to $19 billion.
According to Fortune, although Hyperloop Transportation Technologies is building the test track independently from Musk, the entrepreuneur has encouraged others to test the technology.
In January, Musk said he too planned on building a Hyperloop test track, most likely in Texas.
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