Propelled Capsule in Hyperloop Test in the Netherlands Marks Progress for Transit System

A significant advancement in Hyperloop mass transit—where capsules travel via magnetic fields through depressurized tubes—was achieved in the northern Netherlands, announced a company developing this technology on Monday. This new transport method, initially promoted by Elon Musk, saw a test vehicle levitate and accelerate through a tube at the testing facility.

Technology and engineering director at Hardt Hyperloop, Marinus van der Meijs, shared with The Associated Press, "With the first successful test, we not only levitated the vehicle but also activated the guidance and propulsion systems."

The European Hyperloop Center features a 420-meter (460-yard) tube consisting of 34 sections, mostly 2½ meters (over eight feet) in diameter. A vacuum pump reduces air pressure to decrease drag, enabling capsules to reach high speeds. Hyperloop developers aim for speeds up to 700 kph (435 mph), which is claimed to be more efficient than short-haul flights, high-speed rail, and freight trucks. However, significant infrastructure investment is necessary.

During the test in the limited space of the test center, speed remained modest. "We launched the capsule similar to a metro acceleration, reaching about 30 kph (18 mph) over roughly 100 meters (more than 300 feet) in the pipe," elaborated Van der Meijs.

Despite this, it remains a key milestone requiring precision. Roel van de Pas, commercial director of Hardt Hyperloop, remarked, "The challenge is synchronizing levitation, propulsion, and guidance as a cohesive unit."

Musk envisioned this system over a decade ago—enabling travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco in 30 minutes. Teams globally have since been developing the concept. Van de Pas stated, "Establishing Hyperloop as a mobility system demands technological, policy, and public-private collaboration—a complex puzzle crucial for success. At Hardt, we aim for passenger operations by 2030."

Skepticism remains among analysts. Robert Noland, a professor at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, labeled the infrastructure costs prohibitively high, referring to Hyperloop as "another example of policymakers chasing a shiny object."

In 2016, a deal between Dubai and Los Angeles-based Hyperloop One to explore a link between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was announced from Burj Khalifa, portraying Dubai’s futuristic aspirations. Yet, this initiative, like many high-profile announcements in Dubai, stalled, with Hyperloop One ceasing operations last December.

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