Since the mastery of horse and raft, we have sought to invent new transportation methods that are faster and more efficient. From the train in the early 19th century to the airplane in the early 20th century, it’s clear human progress refuses to be satisfied with the status quo. For our generation, the next transportation revolution is already well underway. The Hyperloop, as conceived by Elon Musk, will soon irrevocably revolutionize the way we travel for years to come.
So what exactly is it? The Hyperloop is an envisioned high-speed transportation system that uses low pressurized tubes, air cushions and linear induction motors to propel pods across extremely long distances at insanely fast speeds of up to 760 mph. For the non-science majors out there, myself included, it can be difficult to picture what it exactly is. Described by Motherboard as a “cross between a Concorde and a railgun and an air hockey table” this so-called “fifth mode of transportation” can be thought of as simply large pod-like capsules being zipped through long tubes.
The Hyperloop’s advantages allow it to be a far more economically and energy efficient mode of transportation than the alternatives. Comparing the Hyperloop and the 2012 California High Speed Rail Project elucidates these differences. Since a flight is expensive yet a relatively quick 1 hour and 15 minutes, while a car ride is inexpensive yet a relatively slow 5 hour and 30 minutes, there appears to be ample room for a high-speed train system to float between those two extremes. Thus, connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco in phase one of construction, the rail project shoots for the middle ground and comes with a price tag of $68.4 billion, average speeds of 164 mph and a travel time (between LA and SF) of 2 hours and 38 minutes. If only there were a better and cheaper way. A Hyperloop track on a similar path, however, would cost only $7.5 billion, have average speeds of 760 mph and a travel time of only 35 minutes. Not only is that faster, cheaper and quicker than any train, but in this case that superiority also extends to planes. Best of all, the Hyperloop carries a minimal environmental impact as it doesn’t burn fossil fuels commonly emitted from planes, trains and automobiles.
The mastermind behind the idea is none other than Musk, arguably the greatest innovator of the 21st century. From planning to create the first mass-market electric vehicle to building a private space transportation company, Musk has demonstrated his aptitude for visionary ideas. With his release of all Tesla’s patents to the public and the publication of his Hyperloop concept paper, he has recognized the power of collaboration in creating a modern transportation infrastructure. He has now put his brainchild in the private sector’s hands. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies is one of the companies borne out of the excitement from scientists and engineers at the incredible possibilities that the Hyperloop provides. The company announced it would seek a $100 million IPO and is currently building a test track in California to conduct research on the feasibility of the project. Godspeed, dear Hyperloop pioneers.
Yet as an important caveat to the Hyperloop, it must be stressed that since no one has actually built a working system yet, this whole discussion is still technically a hypothetical situation. The costs of a Hyperloop track, while estimated to be at a fraction of the costs of a similar high-speed rail system, are still just predictions and, as some have noted, will probably be higher due to the Hyperloop’s unproven nature. However, as with any new technology, many years of testing and research are necessary before the process and costs are streamlined. With companies, professors and researchers testing every aspect of the proposed technology, it’s now the government’s turn to lend a hand.
As the United States has learned from its past, making critical investments into new transportation technologies is critical to maintaining a modern and growing economy. While the government’s investments in trains or canals in the early 1800s are solid examples, the federal government’s $450 million loan to Tesla, another Musk endeavor, is far more intriguing. Having repaid all its loans and created the most revolutionary car and home energy technology this century, the $911 million company is certainly well on its way to dominating the future of the automobile and energy industry. Continuing to use federal government loans and increasing investments into modern technology, hopefully including the Hyperloop, will be crucial to maintaining the United States as the hub of technological innovation. I can only hope our government recognizes the potential of this technology to save time, money and the environment. As for the Hyperloop, we can only hope it’s more than just a pipe dream.
Ben Yahnian is an Opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at b.yahnian@cavalierdaily.com.
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