While this is cool, it's probably decades away. People should note that low-speed maglevs have arrived.<p><a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/860672.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/860672.shtml</a><p><a href="http://english.cri.cn/6909/2014/05/16/2702s826842.htm" rel="nofollow">http://english.cri.cn/6909/2014/05/16/2702s826842.htm</a><p>A few of these would be nice in NY or LA. JFK to Manhattan in 20 minutes. Cross the width of Manhattan in 4 minutes.
Can any physicists compare this briefly to hyperloop? The prototype tube has curves but would this have to go in a very straight line similar to hyperloop? Does it have the same safety issues in terms of being a closed pipe? - obviously that prototype with open air seats isn't going to carry anyone 1000mph+.
How does one pressurize the cabin in a serious vacuum tube?
How long will it take and will there be special requirements to adjust pressures for travelers in such devices?<p>Is this not essentially equivalent to going for a ride in the space station for us out of shape schlubs?