Skip to main content

First 10km of UAE hyperloop ‘ready in 2020’

The project billed as the world’s first commercial hyperloop system is on course to open its first 10km section next year in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In an interview Bibop Gresta, chairman of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, told Emirates News Agency that the average cost would be $20-40m per km. Despite the cost, he is confident that the scheme – which will eventually run for 150km between Abu Dhabi and Dubai – will pay for itself in “eight to 15 years”. “It will be paying for itself
January 29, 2019 Read time: 2 mins

The project billed as the world’s first commercial hyperloop system is on course to open its first 10km section next year in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In an %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external interview false http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302733154 false false%> Bibop Gresta, chairman of 8535 Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, told Emirates News Agency that the average cost would be $20-40m per km.

Despite the cost, he is confident that the scheme – which will eventually run for 150km between Abu Dhabi and Dubai – will pay for itself in “eight to 15 years”.

“It will be paying for itself and then it will be generating profits for the country,” he said. “So it is not only fast but also very efficient."

The system uses electro-magnetic levitation engineering to carry pods at high speeds, thus reducing journey times considerably.

Gresta said that a capsule which will be deployed on the project is being tested in Toulouse, France, on a prototype track before being used in the UAE.

"Hyperloop can quickly become profitable. It presents the ability to build a mass transit system that would not require government subsidies," he added.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Special ACEM-Rail sessions at ETC 2013
    August 16, 2013
    The European Transport Conference moves to its new home of Goethe University in Frankfurt for 2013’s event on 30 September - 2 October. Special sessions on the Automated and Cost Effective Maintenance for Railway (ACEM-Rail) project will take place on 30 September, looking at ACEM-Rail instrumentation and ACEM-Rail infrastructure management ACEM-Rail is an FP7 project which runs through 2010-2013. The final goal is to reduce the costs and the interaction of maintenance operations with railway services as w
  • A warm welcome to CARTES Secure Connexions Event 2013
    November 19, 2013
    Welcome to this 28th edition of CARTES Secure Connexions Event - nearly 30 years of enabling global synergies at a human and technological level CARTES is the world’s leading exhibition dedicated to secure solutions for payment, identification and mobility. Since its creation in Paris in 1985, CARTES has become the industry’s premier show – and this 2013 edition brings together more than 450 exhibitors who have come to present their products and services to 20,000 visitors from 140 countries.
  • British Safety Council launches app for measuring air pollution in London
    March 11, 2019
    The British Safety Council (BSC) and Kings College London have launched an app for outdoor workers to measure exposure to air pollution – an increasing preoccupation for the ITS industry. The Canairy app could help improve workzone safety by providing employees, and their bosses, with information to help them reduce exposure to air pollution. The app is being launched as part of the BSC’s ‘Time to Breathe’ campaign, which seeks to encourage companies, policymakers and regulators to take the risks of
  • UK man refuses to take down fake speed camera on A1 road
    October 3, 2018
    A 72-year-old man living beside a major UK road has refused to take down a replica speed camera. The BBC report says Mike Lacey built the fake camera for £40 using drainpipe and guttering to slow drivers passing his house next to the A1 in Beeston, Bedfordshire. Lacey says authorities have asked him to remove the structure as it was distracting for drivers. The village is divided by a dual-carriageway with a speed limit of 50mph.