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

  • Enhanced WISETRIP final event
    August 20, 2014
    The Enhanced WISETRIP final event, which takes place in Brussels on 29 August, will provide an opportunity to showcase the achievements of the Enhanced WISETRIP project and contribute to the debate on priorities for delivering EU-wide multi-modal travel information. Enhanced WISETRIP has developed a unified intermodal planner for international journeys which incorporates functions for planning, booking and travelling multimodal journeys adapted to user needs including multiple trip criteria, environment
    Read More
  • Uber: AB5 ‘does not automatically reclassify’ drivers
    September 18, 2019
    Business life may be about to get trickier for transportation network companies following the passing of a new law in California which aims to give gig economy workers more rights. Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), which is due to come into effect in January next year, says that “a person providing labour or services for remuneration shall be considered an employee rather than an independent contractor” - unless three points are proved. One, that “the hiring entity demonstrates that the person is free from the con
    Read More
  • Quantum XYZ intends to launch air taxi service in Los Angeles
    December 4, 2018
    Quantum XYZ is seeking to use SureFly’s eight-rotor hybrid ‘octocopters’ to launch an air taxi service in Los Angeles. SureFly, a subsidiary of US technology company Workhorse, is currently pursuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Quantum intends to submit an application to become a FAA-certified urban VTOL air carrier. The company’s president, Tony Thompson, says: “Once SureFly receives FAA Type certification, we
    Read More
  • Fifth of UK drivers ‘will switch to electric’ for next car
    October 18, 2018
    More than a fifth of UK drivers are planning to switch to an alternative-fuelled vehicle for their next purchase, according to new research. AA Cars says 22% of respondents to its Populus poll of more than 20,000 drivers will go for electric or hybrid vehicles – a massive jump from the 2% who currently drive an ‘eco-friendly’ car. AA Cars, which is the used car arm of the AA motoring organisation, has seen a 470% increase in people searching for used hybrid and electric vehicles on its website since 2
    Read More

Highlighted Content