The future of speedy and affordable travel has it’s roots in technology of the past.
For a country so heavily reliant on rail in the 1800s, the technology has really been underutilized compared to other first world countries. High speed rail first began to be utilized in Europe during the 1980’s and 90’s. The U.S. has lagged behind literally in rail utilization. Outside of cities, rail will really only see itself brought into the century by 2029 or later, as the California High-Speed Rail Authority only just passed a proposal to link Anaheim, San Francisco, and other major cities in the state.
What is the future of high speed rail though? Some think Hyperloop, a potentially safer, faster and more convenient alternative. Truly looking like something out of your stereotypical depiction of the future, Hyperloop will be fully powered by solar energy, and reaching speeds of nearly 800 mph. With the ultimate intention being to eliminate short duration flight, Hyperloop developers intend to build a system between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and even between London and Glasgow.
The travel time from London to Glasgow, an hour and a half flight, or seven hour car ride, would be cut down to a mere 30 minutes with Hyperloop.