shinatoo wrote:First off, it's not a vacuum, it's a low pressure tube. There is no way to maintain a complete vacuum over such a large system.
Second, high end estimates for Hyperloop between San Francisco and LA are in the 8 billion range. The HSR on the same route is estimated at around 70 billion. Break down the math, because big numbers are just made up of a bunch of small numbers.
Third, California is estimating a cost of $50-60 for a one way ticket and will still need subsidies. Hyper loop is estimating $20 one way, and that's with turning a profit.
Fourth, we build bridges that are earthquake resistant all the time now, with the same tech that will be used in the Hyperloop.
Fifth, hyperloop uses mag-lav for initial acceleration and a combination of forced air and maglav to eliminate friction and heat related issues.
Sixth, Elon Musk is smarter than you an I combined and has proven success with crazy ideas. See SpaceX, Tesla, Paypal.
Everything is theoretical until you actual build it.
It hasn't been built yet. And Elon musk is notorious for running late on everything. Is he even involved here?
I'm incredibly confident none of those cost estimates will come true in the real world.