Hyperloop transport that moves at speed of sound

Washington: The US state of California is getting closer and closer to the setting up of the Hyperloop  a series of connected capsules that aim to propel passengers at a speed of 1,200 kilometres per hour, or nearly the speed of sound. That would mean a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco in just 30 minutes.

Hyperlood is the mass transportation brainchild of Tesla boss Elon Musk and according to the company, it’s currently debating  plans to make the transport free for passengers.“When we think about video games, they are free and are making more money (than ever before) through upsales in-game,” said  Dirk Ahlborn, CEO of the Hyperloop project. Upsales in games refers to selling the core product for free and charging extra only if the consumer opts for add-ons.

According to CNBC, the Hyperloop project is nearing fruition with California landowners in Quay Valley agreeing to make way for an eight-kilometre test track, this week.The project is expected to break ground in 2016. But, the project is not without its share of controversy though.

Detractors have attacked the massive costs involved (around $100 billion) but bosses are confident they will be able to finish Hyperloop at a cost of $16 billion.  The Hyperloop system uses a number of passenger capsules that are propelled ahead by magnets.