Groundbreaking Hyperloop Test by GoTravelDaily

For the first time ever, passengers have traveled safely and successfully aboard a hyperloop. In a recent test in the Nevada Desert, they reached remarkable speeds of 48 meters per second, equivalent to 107 miles per hour, over a distance of 395 meters.

During this significant test hosted by Virgin Hyperloop, co-founder and CTO Josh Giegel along with Sara Luchian, director of Passenger Experience, rode in a pod within the company’s 500-meter DevLoop test site in Las Vegas. This site previously witnessed over 400 unoccupied tests. The maiden voyage was conducted using the newly-unveiled XP-2 vehicle, which was crafted by BIG Bjarke Ingels Group and Kilo Design. Notably, this pod was custom-built to maximize comfort and enhance the safety of the occupants. The two-seater model was instrumental in demonstrating the safety of the technology, and plans are underway for a larger production vehicle designed to accommodate 28 passengers.

According to Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, “For the past few years, the Virgin Hyperloop team has been diligently working to turn its groundbreaking technology into reality. With today’s successful test, we have demonstrated that this spirit of innovation can indeed transform the way people live, work, and travel across the globe in the years to come.”

The XP-2 vehicle incorporates various safety features planned for the commercial hyperloop system, including a sophisticated protocol capable of detecting issues and automatically activating emergency responses when necessary.

Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop, expressed confidence in the technology stating, “I can’t tell you how often I get asked ‘is hyperloop safe?’ With today’s passenger testing, we have effectively answered this question. We have shown that Virgin Hyperloop can safely accommodate a person in a pod within a vacuum environment, and our thoughtful safety approach has been validated by an independent third party.”

Moreover, last month, GoTravelDaily revealed West Virginia as the selected site for the Hyperloop Certification Center (HCC). In addition, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced guidance on establishing a clear regulatory framework for hyperloop technology within the United States.

For further information on the innovative project and to explore more about this pioneering technology, visit the official Virgin Hyperloop website.