Virgin Hyperloop One set to develop GCC ultra-fast tube
RIYADH, November 18, 2017
US-based Virgin Hyperloop One, a start-up developing super high-speed transportation systems, is working on an ambitious plan to connect the entire Gulf region through an ultra-fast tube transportation system, which will operate at a velocity of 1,100 km per hour.
The company has already signed an agreement with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Philanthropic Foundation (also known as the Misk Foundation) for this hitech transportation system and to train Saudi youth on engineering and technical skills, reported Arab News.
On behalf of the Misk Foundation, the agreement was inked by Bader Al Asaker, secretary-general of the Misk Foundation.
The proposed ultra-fast tube transportation means that a vehicle would run through a tube at a velocity of 1,100 km for an hour, which could quickly connect countries in the region, revealed Josh Giegel, the founder of US-based Virgin Hyperloop One.
"It will be two to three times faster and cheaper than the high-speed train," he stated.
The details of the project, such as routes of operations inside as well as outside the kingdom, will be discussed with the Saudi parties shortly, Giegel told Arab News.
He pointed out that such ultra-fast transportation was also ideal for inland transport.
Within a span of two years, Giegel said Hyperloop One has assembled a team of more than 300 world-class experts, and built a campus in downtown Los Angeles, a test and safety site in the Nevada desert, and a 100,000-sq-ft. machine and tooling shop in North Las Vegas.
Pointing out the interest of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in empowering Saudi youths under the Vision 2030 programme, Giegel said his company had agreed to offer internships for Saudi youths in Los Angeles and train technicians and engineers in relevant fields.
"We are ready to train them in their own fields and update them with the latest technology in the digital world," he added.
