The futuristic Virgin Hyperloop just got one step closer to feeling like reality. The ultra-high-speed transit system was inspired by Elon Musk’s concept for a vacuum-sealed pod transportation system that can move passengers at speeds exceeding 700 mph released in 2013. This week, Virgin shared new conceptual footage of how the passenger experience might look in their hyperloop.
Photo: Virgin Hyperloop/Youtube
A New Concept Video Shows What It’ll Be Like to Ride a 700 Mph Hyperloop
The video shows someone booking a seat for their trip, moving through an oval-shaped hall to their gate, and boarding a pod. Each pod is expected to hold 28 passengers. Despite the high speed, seemingly white-knuckle experience of a 700 mph trip, passengers will have a very similar experience as they would on a train. The video shows people being able to sit back and relax, use wireless phone chargers, and chat with other passengers. The one thing they can’t do, however, is gaze out the window because the pods are windowless.
Unlike train cars, the pods from the hyperloop will be able to peel off in different directions throughout the journey. This allows each pod to reach different destinations without stops or transfers along the way.
It’s unclear when exactly the first hyperloop may actually come into existence, but the company is aiming for its first safety certification by 2025 and is hopeful to begin commercial operations by 2030. 