Quote:
Originally Posted by Kngkyle
It's critically important that Chicago gets this done. Just imagine if they can combine this plan with an underground hyperloop-type-thing with 10 minute rides to Block 37. We just need Elon Musk to bankroll it as a demonstration project.
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I'm extremely skeptical of the hyperloop and related projects. I'm simply incredulous that, say, a 20-mile partially evacuated tube with purpose-built "rolling" stock is going to really be cheaper than laying down some rails and putting an off-the-rack train onto them.
From Chicago to Cleveland or something like that, it would only be comfortable for passengers to be locked into a tube with no restroom or exit if the trip was very short. Which means that it has to be very fast. Which I believe is possible, but which also means that it's going to be very uncomfortable unless the trip is extremely linear. The route couldn't simply follow I-80 or I-90's rights of way, which means it would be expensive due to securing land.
I think a 250 mile trip is probably the sweet spot. L.A. to Vegas or Dubai to noplace or something like that.