Imperial News

Elon Musk to outline 'Hyperloop' idea

by Caroline Jackson

Martin Archer talks with BBC News

Paypal billionaire Elon Musk revealed plans for a new 'hyperloop' transport system that could 'shoot' passengers 380 miles from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 30 minutes. Travellers enter aluminium pods mounted by skis either to their feet or to their cars. The pods travel through steel tubes, reaching speeds of up to 800mph and travelling on a cushion of air. Musk says the system could be built for less than a high speed rail link and claims the Hyperloop would be a practical solution for city pairs separated by 1,000 miles (1,600km) or less. Experts say Musk's track record could help the plan become a reality.'Hyperloop is quite an old science fiction idea but Elon Musk is the sort of man who could make it work,' said physicist Martin Archer from Imperial College London.