Hyperloop Construction To Begin In 2019, No Details On Specific Location

The Hyperloop is one of the most highly anticipated transportation projects that tech companies have been promising will reduce travel time significantly. Unfortunately, progress in this sector has been slow and anticipation has cooled somewhat. Virgin Hyperloop One wants to heat things up again by promising that it will start constructing in 2019, though, no specific location was provided.

This announcement came via Virgin Hyperloop One CEO Rob Lloyd, who spoke to The National and expressed confidence that they will be constructing the Hyperloop somewhere in the world in less than three years’ time. So far, the company has only been releasing clips of tests being done involving a tube running through a partial loop.

“Somewhere in the world we are very confident that we would begin construction in 2019 with initial testing at production level in 2021,” Lloyd said. “We are in discussions in Northern Europe, in the UAE and in discussions in the United States. I can’t say where the first one will be.”

Several countries, territories, states, and cities have been competing to get the attention of the company so that they will have the honor of having the first ever Hyperloop system in the world. One of the biggest contenders is Colorado, which is prepared to spend up to $24 billion to have its own Hyperloop.

Then again, other countries such as those in the UAE are just as committed to being chosen and with the kind of resources at their disposal, they would have no trouble matching what any U.S. state can offer. This kind of price war has sparked controversy among consumer groups who believe that the Hyperloop will only be for the wealthy. Lloyd says that this is simply not the case, Futurism reports.

According to the CEO, the transportation option will be inclusive. In fact, a one-way trip might only cost around $5, if their estimates are correct.