Virgin Hyperloop reveals passenger experience on high-speed trains
Company says its Hyperloop can get passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 43 minutes
Virgin Hyperloop has revealed what a 45-minute trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco is going to look like.
Last week, the mass transportation company -- owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group -- released images and a concept video showing how passengers can expect to experience its new high-speed transport system.
In the video, Virgin Hyperloop shows off what its portals -- almost like futuristic train stations -- and pods -- like futuristic train cars -- will look like.
Though a pod can only hold 28 people, the video appears to show multiple pods traveling at once through the hyperloop tubes.
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The pods themselves have recessed seat wells, a raised aisle and travel information displays while incorporating greenery and wood textures into the design, according to a press release from the Virgin Hyperloop.
“Designing a new mode of transportation from scratch is both an opportunity and a responsibility,” Sara Luchian, Virgin Hyperloop’s Director of Passenger Experience said in a statement. “Hyperloop technology – and what it enables – is paradigm-shifting. It follows that the passenger experience should be nothing short of extraordinary.”
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Hyperloop pods use “an attractive electromagnetic force, powered by onboard batteries,” to levitate from the top of the hyperloop tube, the company website says.
Last week, Virgin Hyperloop revealed what passengers will experience when they use the company's new high-speed transport system. (Virgin Hyperloop)
That system allows the pods to move at high speeds, which would make travel even easier between cities. According to the company, the Virgin Hyperloop would make a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco in only 43 minutes.
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“Virgin Hyperloop is on a mission to make hyperloop an accessible form of transportation – which means it needs to be affordable,” the company said in an announcement. “Ticket prices will, of course, vary depending on the exact route traveled. But a recent study in Ohio found that hyperloop fares would be similar to the cost of driving, rather than flying.”
Virgin Hyperloop released images and a concept video that show off what its portals -- almost like futuristic train stations -- and pods -- like futuristic train cars -- will look like. (Virgin Hyperloop)
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“It’s simple. If it’s not affordable, people won’t use it,” Jay Walder, Virgin Hyperloop’s CEO said in a statement. “Daily high-speed transport is currently not feasible for most people, but we want to change that notion. Imagine being able to commute between cities that are currently hours apart in minutes – and the endless possibilities that opens up.”
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Virgin Hyperloop ran a successful passenger test in Las Vegas in November. During the test, the pods reached speeds of 107 mph at the test site, according to previous reports.
The company hopes to achieve safety certification by 2025 and begin commercial operations in 2030, a press release said.