Now that the media fuss surrounding Elon Musk’s Hyperloop transit system proposal has settled down to a dull roar, it’s a good time to step back and consider in detail some of the real innovations and difficult issues raised through analysis of the 57-page Hyperloop plan.
The shortest description of the Hyperloop is Musk’s own bon mot: “It’s a cross between a Concorde, a rail gun, and an air hockey table.”
The plans call for the Hyperloop track to run parallel to California’s I-5 highway, and for it to be elevated on pylons so as to avoid traffic and complicated land purchase issues. Capsules could leave stations every 30 seconds, and carry 28 passengers each. Tickets would cost just 0 each way, according to Musk.
Learn more: http://youtu.be/J5qFb5wPl1Y
Download full proposal here: https://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/blog_images/hyperloop-alpha.pdf