Virgin reveals prototype Hyperloop One pods that will carry passenger at up to 1220km/h

Photo credit: Reuters

Virgin has revealed the design for the pods in their high speed Hyperloop One system, displaying a prototype pod as part of the United Arab Emirate's Innovation Month.

The prototype boasts a futuristic interior, leather seating for 10 passengers and high definition TV screens.

The pods will become part of a transport service in Dubai and carry passengers to neighbouring Abu Dhabi, the Daily Mail reports.

Their 1220km/h speed will allow them to travel the 140 kilometres between the cities in 12 minutes - normally a 90 minute car-ride.

In New Zealand that would be the equivalent to travelling between Wellington and Palmerston North.

The Hyperloop will be launched in Dubai in 2020 as part of a goal from the local Road Transport Authority (RTA) to have 25 percent of all journeys driverless by 2030.

Photo credit: Reuters

"The UAE and RTA were early supporters of our Hyperloop technology, so it is particularly exciting to be unveiling the Dubai Hyperloop pod with the RTA," Virgin Hyperloop One CEO Rob Lloyd said.

"Our focus in 2018 would be continuing the close collaboration with RTA to progress to the next phase of the project.

"Our aim would be to explore the viability of a wider UAE Hyperloop network."

The Hyperloop's extreme speeds will be created by reducing air pressure within the tube the pods sit in to the equivalent of 61,000 meters above sea level.

Once it launches it's expected to carry 10,000 passengers a day.

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