Cars & Transportation Futuristic "Hyperloop" transport

[tazzietiger]

The billionaire behind Paypal, SpaceX and Tesla(electric car company) has came up with a proposal of speed tubes for a future travel alternative to high speed rail.

(Reuters) - California billionaire Elon Musk took the wraps off his vision of a futuristic "Hyperloop" transport system on Monday, proposing to build a solar-powered network of crash-proof capsules that would whisk people from San Francisco to Los Angeles in half an hour.
In a blog post, Musk, the chief executive of electric car maker Tesla MotorsInc described in detail a system that, if successful, would do nothing short of revolutionizing intercity transportation. But first the plan would have to overcome questions about its safety and financing.
The Hyperloop, which Musk previously described as a cross between a Concorde, rail gun and air-hockey table, would cost an estimated $6 billion to build and construction would take 7 to 10 years. Eventually, according to the plan, it would jettison more than 7 million people a year along one of the U.S. West Coast's busiest traffic corridors.
As many as 28 passengers could ride in each pod and the system could even transport vehicles, according to the 57-page design plan.

Musk, who in the past has hinted at the hopes of building such a system, proposed the Hyperloop as an alternative to a $68 billion high-speed rail project that's a major priority of California Governor Jerry Brown. It would be safer, faster, less expensive and more convenient, Musk said in the blog post.

 

[exe ex machina]

Excellent topic.

 

[exe ex machina]

That's my contribution...for now.

 

[treefingers]

Futurama anyone? This kind of stuff gets me excited for what the world will be like in 30-40 years

 

[Marlowe]

Pretty cool. But as someone with Claustrophobia, I don't know if I ever want to ride in one.

 

[The Passenger]

after doing some quick google map research i must admit i didn't realise los angeles and san francisco were 5 hours apart. always though they were much closer.

 

[exe ex machina]

Pretty cool. But as someone with Claustrophobia, I don't know if I ever want to ride in one.

Funnily enough, there'll probably be windows. Which is weird considering you'd be traveling so fast you wouldn't be able to take anything in.

 

[Marlowe]

Funnily enough, there'll probably be windows. Which is weird considering you'd be traveling so fast you wouldn't be able to take anything in.

That sounds more appealing to me though than no windows. I cannot imagine being strapped into a windowless pod and shot through a tube at high speeds. If there's an option for windows, I say take it!

 

[exe ex machina]

That sounds more appealing to me though than no windows. I cannot imagine being strapped into a windowless pod and shot through a tube at high speeds. If there's an option for windows, I say take it!

Windows good at least so you can see the looks of distraught horror and discomfort on the faces of the travelers in other pods traveling alongside yours or back the other way.

 

[exe ex machina]

Would be kinda reminiscent of Dave's journey to Jupiter...

 

[RU486]

This will not happen, just another case of technology being over-hyped. The past has shown that humans always over estimate advances in technology.

 

[exe ex machina]

I hope to see a teleporter before i die. That'd revolutionize life/man more than anything else.

 

[sabre_ac]

I know it's not an excuse not to do something, but you've got to wonder how you protect against terrorist attacks.

For those that are claustrophobic, is it that much different to an airplane? I suppose the big difference is not being able to walk around.

Perhaps someone with the experience or a better understanding of science can explain to me if you could walk around a plane like the Concord or other high speed travel technology vehicles?

 

[Simple Jack]

You could walk around Condcorde fine. You've got to remember that once up to speed you aren't being subjected to any significant accelerations.

 

[Papa Juggs]

Seems like a good idea but Elon really must prove the claim that it's cheaper than conventional high speed rail.

 

[lewigie]

It looks like you would be sitting in a position similar to what Formula 1 drivers sit in when they drive.

Windows would induce motion sickness incredibly quickly. I would rather wear those goggles that work as movie players.

 

[lewigie]

Seems like a good idea but Elon really must prove the claim that it's cheaper than conventional high speed rail.

He reckons it'll only cost $6 billion, compared to the $70 billion their government is spending on rail.

Then again after reading his report, $6 billion is a massive massive underestimate.

He doesn't have a team of engineers working on this IIRC. He's just putting it out in the public realm for other people to look at and try and figure out if its feasible.

 

[JR#8]

I know it's not an excuse not to do something, but you've got to wonder how you protect against terrorist attacks.

How do you protect against terrorist attacks now?

 

[FootyJunkie]

won't be around to ride it

 

[Catfish Alley]

won't be around to ride it

Construction would take 7 to 10 years. Where you going?

 

[FootyJunkie]

Construction would take 7 to 10 years. Where you going?

oh ok, i just figure this stuff is beyond my life time

 

[Illinois Nazi]

oh ok, i just figure this stuff is beyond my life time

If the plan was to build it in WA in 7 to 10 years, you'd be right.

 

[rayven]

How do you protect against terrorist attacks now?

You don't vote for a party who uses scare/fear tactics to gain and/or maintain power.