A Hyperloop is a proposed high-speed mass transportation system for both passenger and freight transport. The term was invented to describe the modern open-source project. Hyperloop is described as a sealed tube or system of tubes with low air pressure through which a pod may travel substantially free of air resistance or friction. The Hyperloop could potentially move people or objects at airline speeds while being energy efficient compared with existing high-speed rail systems. This, if implemented, may reduce travel times compared to train and airplane travel over distances of under approximately 1,500 kilometres (930 miles).
It has three major components: a tube, pod, and terminal. The tube is a large sealed, low-pressure system that can be constructed above or below ground. A coach runs inside this controlled environment and is often referred to as a pod. The pod employs magnetic or aerodynamic levitation (using air-bearing skis) along with electromagnetic or aerodynamic propulsion to glide along a fixed guideway. The terminals arrivals and departures.

The Hyperloop concept has its roots in a concept invented by George Medhurst in 1799 and subsequently developed under the names pneumatic railway, atmospheric railway or vactrain. Elon Musk mentioned the Hyperloop in 2012, bringing it back to public attention. His initial concept incorporated reduced-pressure tubes in which pressurized capsules ride on air bearings driven by linear induction motors and axial compressors. The Hyperloop Alpha concept was first published in August 2013, proposing and examining a route running from the Los Angeles region to the San Francisco Bay Area, roughly following the Interstate 5 corridor. The Hyperloop Genesis paper conceived of a hyperloop system that would propel passengers along the 350-mile (560 km) route at a speed of 760 mph (1,200 km/h), allowing for a travel time of 35 minutes, which is considerably faster than current rail or air travel times.

Hyperloop represents the greatest leap in transport infrastructure for generations. Here we explain the concept that’s about to revolutionise our world.