State initiative may see Missouri included in list of top 10 future routes linked by Hyperloop track
05 Oct 2017
Though it was reported last month that Missouri had not been included in the top 10 list of possible future routes to be linked by a Hyperloop track, the state re-emerged as a possibility for a route yesterday.
Hyperloop One, a company that claims to be the only one to build a ''full-scale Hyperloop test system,'' announced along with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that a public-private coalition had formed to renew consideration of a route in Missouri.
The coalition seeks to conduct a feasibility study of a route linking Kansas City, Columbia and St Louis along the Interstate 70 corridor.
Hyperloop One says the Kansas City to St Louis distance would be covered in 31 minutes at a speed of 671 mph, which is about 90 mph slower than the speed of sound on a 50° temperature day.
Hyperloop One's technology would use electric propulsion to power pods through a tubular track at high speeds. The pods would have screens instead of windows, with augmented-reality capabilities.
According to MoDOT director Patrick McKenna's estimates, the feasibility study would cost as much as $1.5 million.
In view of the state's budget constraints, MoDOT would invite funding from the private sector, McKenna said.
''MoDOT will provide the oversight and technical expertise to manage the RFP process for the study,'' he said. ''We are committed to bringing this innovative mode of transportation to Missouri.''
The formation of the Missouri Hyperloop Coalition, announced yesterday, led Hyperloop One to add the Missouri route to the company's list of top candidates for the transportation investment.
The MoDOT and the University of Missouri system are partnering with the St Louis Regional Chamber, KC Tech Council and Columbia-based Missouri Innovative Center in the effort.
According to Andrew Smith, a vice president with the St Louis Regional Chamber, the state has ''the most favorable regulatory and cost environment'' of any site on the company's list.
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