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Virgin Hyperloop runs first test with passengers

The Hyperloop is designed to travel up to 670 miles an hour with zero direct emissions
Posted at 12:58 PM, Nov 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-10 12:58:08-05

A new way to travel is tested and the Virgin Group says it could change the way people move.

In Nevada on Sunday, Virgin tested its Hyperloop pod with passengers for the first time.

It had run more than 400 times before, but without people on board.

The first passengers were Josh Giegel, co-founder and chief technology officer, and Sara Luchian, director of passenger experience.

The Hyperloop is designed to travel up to 670 miles an hour with zero direct emissions.

The "pods" accelerate by electric propulsion in a low-pressure tube.

The pods use magnetic levitation to float along the track.

The Virgin Hyperloop website says it is safer than other modes of transportation, it's not susceptible to weather delays, accidents at crossings, human error or power outages.

In July, the Department of Transportation gave Hyperloop guidance for a pathway to regulation and deployment.