The Hyperloop sounds more like science fiction than a proper mode of transportation. Elon Musk’s literal pipe dream aims to leapfrog high-speed rail and pack people into capsules, before flinging them across the country using magnetically-powered pneumatic tubes.
It sounds crazy when you think about it. However, a new deal with the Dubai’s Road Transport Authority has brought the Hyperloop that much closer to reality.
The deal was signed with Los Angeles-based Hyperloop One, which is already conducting a feasibility study with DP World to explore moving cargo around Jebel Ali Port. Most recently, the company showcased the first-ever routes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, the Hyperport locations (the Hyperloop equivalent of a bus station), as well as the interior and exteriors of individual passenger pods.
According to the statistics, it will take just 48-minutes to travel from Dubai to Riyadh; 23 minutes from Dubai to Doha, and 27 minutes from Dubai to Muscat.
This comes on the back of a settlement with its departed co-founder and three other
employees who sued Hyperloop One for breach of contract.
The settlement ends the high-profile legal tussle that
brought a series of accusations against the company. The company was accused of mismanaging funds – allegedly
giving a big raise to a romantic interest of an executive. The plaintiff in the
case, led by co-founder and former chief technology officer Brogan BamBrogan.
Hyperloop One denied all accusations, and in a letter to
employees CEO Rob Lloyd said, “Lawsuits can be distracting for companies;
they often halt momentum until they can be
resolved. That didn’t happen here.”
Despite the settlement, the drama may not be over for
Hyperloop One. BamBrogan released a statement shortly after, suggesting that he
has a new company with plans to create its own
Hyperloop. The idea was first promoted by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in
2013.
“We are planning to build rad
[stuff] with rad people, starting with our take on Hyperloop,” said BamBrogan along with the three executives who
joined the suit against the former employer. “More to come in the near future”.
