When we think of clean energy alternatives for public transit, the usual methods come to mind.
Biofuel bus lines, electric-powered streetcars, and trains, micro-transit, and of course, the good
old-fashioned bicycle. Every day, city planners and transportation experts are learning how to make
the streets smarter, cleaner, and more efficient for public use.
Biofuel bus lines, electric-powered streetcars, and trains, micro-transit, and of course, the good
old-fashioned bicycle. Every day, city planners and transportation experts are learning how to make
the streets smarter, cleaner, and more efficient for public use.
next level. Technology once thought out of reach, is becoming more cost affordable and easier to
implement. And while some of these technologies are still a ways off, it’s easy to get excited for the
new innovative ways that public transit is being envisioned.
A VISION OF THE FUTURE
One technology that has captured imaginations is the high-speed rail project - Hyperloop. This new
form of transportation promises speeds up to 670mph which is more than twice as fast as current rail
systems in the United States. There are a number of companies competing to deliver this new technology
but currently, the two most recognized are SpaceX and Virgin. Both intend to build a 350-mile long tube
both above and underground that uses an electromagnet suspension to push transport pods to their
destination. Both companies extol the benefits of this method of transportation stating that the hyperloop
project is:
form of transportation promises speeds up to 670mph which is more than twice as fast as current rail
systems in the United States. There are a number of companies competing to deliver this new technology
but currently, the two most recognized are SpaceX and Virgin. Both intend to build a 350-mile long tube
both above and underground that uses an electromagnet suspension to push transport pods to their
destination. Both companies extol the benefits of this method of transportation stating that the hyperloop
project is:
- Safer
- Faster
- Lower cost
- More convenient
- Immune to weather
- Resistant to Earthquakes
- Sustainably self-powering
- Not disruptive to those along the route
But like any nascent technology, there are many issues that confront the companies as they try to deliver
this new mode of transportation. The largest hurdle involves the tunnel itself. In order to propel a
transport pod to the speeds they envision, the entire tube must be sealed in a vacuum. According to
SpaceX:
this new mode of transportation. The largest hurdle involves the tunnel itself. In order to propel a
transport pod to the speeds they envision, the entire tube must be sealed in a vacuum. According to
SpaceX:
“The problem with this approach is that it is incredibly hard to maintain a near-vacuum in a room, let
alone 700 miles (round trip) of large tube with dozens of station gateways and thousands of pods
entering and exiting every day. All it takes is one leaky seal or a small crack somewhere in the hundreds
of miles of tube and the whole system stops working.”
alone 700 miles (round trip) of large tube with dozens of station gateways and thousands of pods
entering and exiting every day. All it takes is one leaky seal or a small crack somewhere in the hundreds
of miles of tube and the whole system stops working.”
Despite the challenges, both technological and financial, they’re moving forward with testing by hosting
competitions with numerous tech companies and universities to help solve the problems of new
technology. It remains unclear whether or not the Hyperloop will eventually become a reality. It’s
suggested that the hyperloop could be operational, at least at some level, by 2025. If the project does
become a reality, it will create jobs, help the environment, and connect communities in ways previously
unrealized.
BECOME A STEWARD
This is where engaged citizens and communities can help. The best thing we can do to help bring this
and other innovative projects to reality is to educate ourselves and others about the potential benefits
that can be realized. Regardless of the many innovative strategies being explored to develop clean
and efficient transportation solutions, there are many ways we can help. Right Now.
LEARN MORE
and other innovative projects to reality is to educate ourselves and others about the potential benefits
that can be realized. Regardless of the many innovative strategies being explored to develop clean
and efficient transportation solutions, there are many ways we can help. Right Now.
- Get involved with your local government
- Donate to universities that are striving to innovate for future generations
- Become an advocate and steward for your community and the environment
- Talk to friends and family about climate change and the need for green solutions
- Donate and take part in community service initiatives that promote clean transportation
LEARN MORE
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