Hyperloop May Be Ten Years Out, Team Says

When elon Musk cooly dropped the Hyperloop on us all, the idea was as forehead-slapping simple as it was futuristic. For Californians, the reality of an uber-quick Los Angeles to San Francisco transit system has long been discussed, but eludes the public at large. Though not without its doubters, the Hyperloop was a pretty bright concept, and one we'd all like to have. That's kind of the new thinking around the Hyperloop, as the team attempting to build it is aiming to have it ready in ten years, and criss-crossing the nation.

Ten seems to be the magic number for JumpStartFund, who are trying to get Hyperloop up and running with the blessing of Musk and SpaceX. They are aiming for us to have it in ten years or so, and think the original estimate of $10 billion to build it is viable.

The original plan sounded brilliant, but it's not without its problems. Hyperloops capsule transporter is not adequate, the group says, and isntead are focussing on a "bubble strategy". The bubble passengers ride in is then encapsulated into another bubble, which has the air compressor needed for the ride in the tube.

JumpStartFund is also working with a team of students from UCLA, who believe the LA-to-SF route idea can be taken nationwide. The particular route Musk designed Hyperloop for has traditionally been wrought with political positioning and regional standoffs.

Instead, the team thinks criss-crossing the US may work better, and plan to involve Hyperloop in Asia and Europe. Los Angeles to San Francisco makes business sense, but LA to Las Vegas is likely quicker (and potentially more fun).

There's also a "Mini Hyperloop" concept being floated around, for travel within cities (Lyle Lanley is not involved).

For now, the team is closing in on making their Hyperloop plan viable, and is confident they can bring it to us all once they have funding. Considering the state of venture capital and angel investing in 2014/2015, we're pretty sure they can scare up $10 billion faster than any Hyperloop trip.

Source: Wired