Conference article

This study has led to the elaboration of a proposed methodology used to select and rank the most attractive corridors for the implementation of first commercial vacuum-tube train (or hyperloop) lines for passengers. From a list of the most populated cities all over the world, it has been possible to sort out the possible transport connections that could be travelled by hyperloop pods without having to build a tunnel or crossing a conflict area. Then, an evaluation of all selected corridors has been performed on the basis of defined classification criteria. Important parameters characterizing the potential of a corridor have been identified during the research: the number of air passengers on the corridor, the nature of the competitive transport infrastructure, the GDP per kilometre and the topography along the route. Some other minor criteria have also been used, in order to elaborate a robust tool which can be a good help for investors and decision makers. All selected corridors have been ranked, resulting in a short list of the 250 most attractive corridors for the implementation of first commercial lines. This study presents a proposal for the ranking of the most promising corridors. It should be followed by proper feasibility studies and ridership calculations.

Vacuum-tube train, hyperloop, transport economics, methodology