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http://www.reuters.com/article/us-hyperloop-funding-idUSKCN12D2TI
Los Angeles-based company Hyperloop One, which is developing technology for a futuristic transit system, said it had raised an additional $50 million as it prepares for a full-scale test of a Hyperloop system in the first quarter of 2017.
A Hyperloop involves using magnets to levitate pods inside an airless tube, creating conditions in which the floating pods could shuttle people and cargo at speeds of up to 750 mph (1,200 kph). The concept originated in a paper by Tesla Motors Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk in 2013, who envisioned it whisking passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 30 minutes.
Hyperloop One got its latest round of funding from DP World Group of Dubai. The $50 million takes its total funding to $160 million. DP World Group, whose chief executive is also joining Hyperloop One's board, signed an agreement with the company in August to explore a Hyperloop system to move containers from ships docked at its flagship Port of Jebel Ali to a new inland container depot in Dubai.
(Score: 2) by Nuke on Sunday October 16 2016, @10:26AM
Seems like a good idea for a dedicated freight system
But you don't need that sort of speed for freight. Also, for freight you need size, as in cross-sectional size. That is why US railroads carry freight containers double stacked (where the loading gauge permits). The Hyperloop does not have a great cross-sectional size and would become disproportionately expensive if it did (as if it is not already).
The market for Hyperloop (if it has one) is for a minority of premium passengers (like super-sonic airliners are^H^H^H were) or as a novelty ride (like from the airport to Disneyland or Las Vegas).