Towards a European Hyperloop Network: An Alternative to Air and Rail Passenger Travel

Abstract

Hyperloop is a novel transportation mode that can transform the way we travel. While entrepreneurs are working on turning this disruptive concept into reality, there is a lack of research on the Hyperloop route networks. Effective Hyperloop routes are essential for this concept as once built, they cannot be altered. The objective of this paper is to develop Hyperloop network routes for Europe and investigate their potential for passenger travel as an alternative transport mode to rail and air travel. The paper proposes two potential networks with different Hyperloop routes. An initial simulation study is conducted with four basic scenarios derived by varying the number of passengers (low and high) and the purpose of travel (using Hyperloop as an alternative to air or rail travel). The evaluation of the Hyperloop networks depends on four key performance indicators: (1) average travel time, (2) utilization, (3) passenger service level, and (4) revenue generation. The findings indicate that both networks have potential for the European passenger market, but their success depends on the behavior of the passengers using Hyperloop.