The United States Congress Advances Hyperloop with Open Testimony from HyperloopTT

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) testified in front of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure today to advance the development of hyperloop systems in the United States. During the session, HyperloopTT CEO Andrés de León shared insight into hyperloop technology, current projects and the government’s role in deploying commercial systems in the U.S. Andrés’ full testimony can be seen here.

Mr. De León emphasized key advantages of hyperloop in his testimony, including:

  • HyperloopTT systems are ready to be built utilizing existing technologies alongside over 50 transportation industry partners like Hitachi Rail, Leybold, and GNB.
  • Hyperloop is less expensive to build at $54 million per mile, significantly less than the $150 to $250 million per mile price tags of high-speed rail and MagLev.
  • Hyperloop is a sustainable next-generation technology, independent studies estimate that along a single 468-mile route a HyperloopTT system could replace the emissions of over one million cars annually.
  • The United States has an immediate opportunity to build the most innovative mode of transportation in over a century and lead a new era of sustainable innovation.

“The time for hyperloop is now,” said Andrés de León, CEO of HyperloopTT. “HyperloopTT and our industry colleagues have led the way for the technological, economic, environmental, and regulatory justification for the biggest breakthrough in transportation in a century.”

“Today’s hearing is an important step in making the United States a global leader in sustainable transportation,” said congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio). “The work HyperloopTT has done in my home state of Ohio and across the Great Lakes Megaregion has shown that highspeed transportation can both be profitable and better for the environment. Congress would do the nation a great service to pave the way for the hyperloop industry.”

HyperloopTT’s testimony concluded with a request for available MagLev development funds to be allocated to advance the Great Lakes Hyperloop Environmental Impact Statement, a signal to private industry that hyperloop in the United States is advancing with the support of the federal government. Other testimony was given by industry colleagues from Amtrak, High Speed Rail Associations, and Virgin Hyperloop.

Unlike other developed nations, the United States has an underdeveloped rail network and no existing high speed rail routes, due to the prohibitive costs of implementation and need for public subsidies. The well-studied economic benefits of hyperloop systems offer an opportunity for the US to once again become a leader in cutting edge transportation.

The full written testimony can be viewed at HyperloopTT.com/2021/congressional-testimony

About HyperloopTT

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) is an innovative transportation and technology company focused on realizing the hyperloop, a system that moves people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably by bringing airplane speeds to the ground. Through the use of unique, patented technology and an advanced collaborative business model, HyperloopTT is creating the first new form of transportation in over a century.

HyperloopTT’s European Research and Development Center in Toulouse, France, the aerospace capital of Europe, is home to the world’s first and only full-scale test system. In 2019, HyperloopTT released the first comprehensive feasibility study analyzing a hyperloop system, which found that the system is economically and technically feasible and will generate a profit without requiring government subsidies.

Founded in 2013, HyperloopTT is a global team of more than 800 engineers, creatives, and technologists in 52 multidisciplinary teams, with 50 corporate and university partners. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, and Toulouse, France, HyperloopTT has offices in North and South America, the Middle East, and Europe.

HyperoopTT is a proud signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, reflecting the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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