"ELON MUSK REVEALS THE HYPERLOOP"-- (With ONE Passenger Flaw)

[KoKo]

Last edited Tue Aug 13, 2013, 03:05 PM - Edit history (1)

This is fascinating concept that Musk has designed. The articles at the link are a good read.

But, here's why I think it could fail. It's claustrophobic...like riding enclosed in an MRI.
The MRI had terrible problems with patients not being able to stand the enclosure. They've modified them since early introduction but, those who are claustrophobic still have problems not only with MRI Machines but with CAT Scans because one has to lie still and feel they have no control while a machine passes over you. Here are the photos...and I wonder what other DU'ers think. Just looking at the photos has me start to hyperventilate.. Here are some of the features.

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ELON MUSK REVEALS THE HYPERLOOP
Hyperloop





He wants people to sit in pods that whip through giant steel tubes. "Sealed capsules carrying 28 passengers each that travel along the interior of the tube depart on average every 2 minutes from Los Angeles or San Francisco (up to every 30 seconds during peak usage hours)."

It will be built above ground on pylons, and the prefabricated sections can be dropped into place. By building it above ground, it can mostly follow I-5, and it won't take up too much land. He actually suggests putting it in the median of I-5.

It will be self powered. It can have solar panels of top of the tube which will generate electricity. He also says, "The energy could also be stored in the form of compressed air that then runs an electric fan in reverse to generate energy, as demonstrated by LightSail."

It will carry 840 passengers per hour, taking them from Los Angeles to San Francisco, and vice versa. He says, "the current baseline requires up to 40 capsules in activity during rush hour, 6 of which are at the terminals for loading and unloading of the passengers in approximately 5 minutes. " (Um, 5 minutes for unloading?)

He also has a model for a passenger + car version of the Hyperloop pod. It could take people plus three cars.

Inside the pods, Musk says the chairs will be super comfortable, and a "beautiful landscape will be displayed in the cabin and each passenger will have access their own personal entertainment system."

You can only travel with two bags per trip, and the total weight can't be above 110 pounds.

He plans on having TSA-like security checks, but hopefully faster and less intrusive.

What happens if you have a heart attack (or some less serious illness) on the Hyperloop? You'll be at the station in 30 minutes, so hang on! "All capsules would have direct radio contact with station operators in case of emergencies, allowing passengers to report any incident, to request help and to receive assistance."

More of a Good Read for Innovation At:

http://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-hyperloop-plan-2013-8

[Xipe Totec]

1. It doesn't have to be for everyone to be successful.

Those who are claustrophobic can travel by other means.

[Politicalboi]

2. Cool

I get claustrophobic, but as long as it's above ground, and had some kind of daylight every so often, I could do it.

[KoKo]

9. No windows...you are enclosed in the Tube...But you get a

"scenic landscape" to make up for the absence of windows and the entertainment to distract.

[Politicalboi]

13. That will help

As long as I know it's above ground, and can be opened if needed. Although they probably won't open it for a panic attack. I've done Star Tours, so this is probably very close to that. They should do a demo at the station for those that aren't sure of what to expect.

[yesphan]

3. You get a Xanax

with your ticket.

[KoKo]

22. lol's...Xanax makes many of us Hyper.. It's a Contrarian Reaction...

But, yeah...it would take something powerful to deal with that...and if it was a Commute...then one would become an ADDICT to get through it if you are "closed space phobic."

[KamaAina]

4. 840 passengers an hour

is the equivalent of about four medium-sized airplanes. Not enough when you consider all the flights not only between LAX and SFO but smaller airports like Oakland and San Jose up here, and Burbank and Orange County down there.

[Logical]

23. Well, I guess you just still have some flights then. n-t

[XemaSab]

25. Or they could build one as a concept and then add more

[BlueStreak]

29. Presumably they would have the option to make the capsules longer,

which could add a lot of passenger capacity without increasing the risk. much.

[tridim]

5. I had a panic attack in the NYC subway once. It was not fun.

First thing I thought of when I saw the graphic was claustrophobia.

Even if that was just an amusement park ride, I think I would still feel uncomfortable. It's not like just getting in a subway train, it's like being sealed in a tubular coffin. Scary.

[unblock]

8. lots of people said that about airplanes at first.

some still do.

for the most part, airplanes are highly successful, even if fears prevent some people from personally experiencing them.

[tridim]

11. I think people still would if the fuselage were only a few feet in diameter, like these tubes.

I'm not even all that claustrophobic and it's all I can think of.

[dkf]

31. Had the worst experience on the Nemo ride at Disneyland. Ugh.

[VanillaRhapsody]

34. with no windows....my first reaction was motion sickness...

[unblock]

6. if you can watch a tv built into the seatback in front of view, that might help quite a bit.

i'm sure cnn or captivate would be all over that.

[tridim]

12. I don't know, will data work in these tubes? Cell phones certainly wouldn't work well at all.

[unblock]

18. not sure that couldn't be overcome; in any event, tv programs could be downloaded at the station.

so even if live programming were not possible, you could still watch a movie or a recently aired program or a "classic".

[Katashi_itto]

19. You could have a signal repeater built into the walls of the capsule

to take care of cellphone coverage and the TV channel could play 24/7 disaster movies to help you relax.

[BlueStreak]

32. 800 MPH inside a concrete tube that runs over one of the biggest eqrthquake zones.

What could possibly go wrong.

Notice that Musk isn't putting any money or time into this fantasy. The guy is just a modern PT Barnum. Somebody had to step up now that Steve Jobs is gone.

[cherokeeprogressive]

33. That is SO wrong... but gimme the 101 any day of the week anyway. I'm not in a hurry. n/t

[Katashi_itto]

35. .

[Incitatus]

7. "5 minutes for unloading?"

That's better than the subway, right? If it's only 2 bag carry on and 28 people per car, I don't think that should be a problem, assuming there are enough doors along the sides.

[snooper2]

10. Most all people will be find with it, others can drive

Plug in your IPad to the big screen for an hour and a half, you'll be there before you get one level of Angry Birds cleared

[JNelson6563]

14. Looks awesome!

I'd gladly go for a ride on this!

[Orrex]

15. I can't decide if this system sucks or blows

[pinboy3niner]

24. *snort*

I see you're of tube minds on this.

[The Link]

16. "Longer than you think, Dad! Longer than you think!"

[Demo_Chris]

20. Heh-heh! One of the greatest Science Fiction shorts ever nt

[Poll_Blind]

36. I just wanted to say that I internet love you for that.

PB

[MuseRider]

17. This sounds and looks so promising

and so cool but my guess is I would NEVER be able to ride in it. My stomach is all twisted just reading about it, even though I would love to be able to ride in something like this in the future.

10mg of Valium and I might be able to try a short ride. That is what it took for an MRI and even then I knew I could get out so was able to let myself relax.

I am happy, as someone above mentioned, that it will be above ground. That would be the second thing I would need. Not at all happy in subways but I can do them, I just would rather not.

What would happen if someone freaked out on one of these? Not a good scene.

Still, I say go for it.

[KoKo]

21. I agree...and for those who can deal with it ...GO FOR IT!

But...NO WAY...I could ride in a "Sealed Capsule" with papered "Wallpaper Scenery" to substitute for a Window that I can look out...and to be blasted along at high speed in that tiny seat...strapped in with seat belt (in case of Earth Quake or other Disaster)....It would be Panic Attack Time!

But those who enjoy that would probably love it, as you point out, ...but, my post was pointing out that there are probably "many more" than Elon thinks who would steer clear of it.
I really posted the article because I thought about those of us who are claustrophobic and how nice this all sounded excerpt for those of us with "that problem."

BTW: Someone here on DU posted an Onion Article saying that Musk's "Hyperloop" would be powered by "SCREAMS." It was a short article for the Onion...but, I took it that "not everyone" would like going at that High Speed "encapsulated" in a TUBE...with only forced air, no windows...and NO WAY TO GET OFF!

Others would LOVE THE THRILL OF IT! "Different Strokes for Different Folks."

[bravenak]

26. I could handle this I think.

I didn't at first, but as long as I won't be alone in there ill be alright. Make one that comes to Alaska.

[XemaSab]

27. I wonder if people would puke in it

I can see the combination of twisty-turnies coupled with lack of fresh air being pretty rough.

It would be almost 400 miles in a half an hour, and most of it's flattish, but the Grapevine portion is ~60 miles. That's ALLLLLLLL those twists and turns and ups and downs in 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

The best solution would be to bore a tunnel.

[CK_John]

28. Should make them transparent like the drive-in bank air tubes.

[Starry Messenger]

37. This will never happen.

Elon has already admitted he was just spitballing and we can't even get HCR moving out here because of NIMBYism.