Virgin Hyperloop One Roadshow Sparks Great Interest from Ohio Communities

Early August brought excitement to Central Ohio communities as Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) launched a first-of-its kind U.S. roadshow – bringing CEO Jay Walder and its XP-1 hyperloop pod to communities across the United States. The roadshow started a dialogue about the power of this new form of mass transportation, and Columbus was VHO’s first stop.

As part of the Rapid Speed Transportation Initiative, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is conducting a feasibility study of hyperloop technology along the Chicago-Columbus-Pittsburgh corridor, followed by components of an environmental impact statement along the same route.

On May 11, 2017, XP-1 completed the world’s first full-system hyperloop test – what VHO calls its “Kitty Hawk” moment. This was the first time any company had integrated all of the components of a hyperloop including a highly efficient motor, power electronics, magnetic levitation, vacuum pumping systems, and an aerodynamic vehicle as a single unified system. During testing, XP-1 set the full-scale hyperloop speed record of 240 miles per hour on just 550 yards of track.

The roadshow gave local communities the chance to see first-hand the historic test pod and learn more about their states’ progress in bringing hyperloop to fruition in a matter of years. Local stops included the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the Ohio Statehouse, Dublin, Marysville, and Lima.

The stop at COSI provided the opportunity for children to participate in STEM-related activities, while the Ohio Statehouse stop allowed legislators and their staff members to learn more about the technology. VHO CEO Jay Walder, who met with many community leaders while in the state, also participated in a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum (view it here).

Here a few snapshots of the VHO U.S. Roadshow in Ohio: