Canada: Imagine Traveling In A 1,000 Kph FluxJet Vacuum-Tube Train

This story might sound like something from a science-fiction movie. However, Canada could get a 1,000 kph (621 mph) vacuum-tube train running between Calgary and Edmonton. Even better, the Canadian company involved in the venture says that traveling on a fully electric train-style vehicle would cost less than a plane ticket. However, the FluxJet link would cost around $18 billion to build.

Canadian company unveils plans for vacuum-tube train

A Canadian company called TransPod has unveiled plans for a fully electric train-style vehicle dubbed FluxJet. However, the link between Calgary and Edmonton would cost an estimated $18 billion. Meanwhile, the vehicle could travel at 1,000 kilometers per hour (621 miles per hour), while costing passengers less than a plane ticket.

TransPod announced FluxJet last month in the city of Toronto, using a scaled-down one-ton version of what it dubs the “plane-train hybrid.” They even featured a live demonstration of the vehicle’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the vehicle is based on similar principles to Elon Musk’s famous “hyperloop” concept.

FluxJet will be propelled at ultra-fast speeds inside a tube guideway using groundbreaking technology based on the new field of “veillance flux.” Basically, the pods are levitated magnetically, while the vacuum tubes allow them to zoom along at great speed.

The proposed train would operate exclusively on a network system called the TransPod Line. Stations will be placed along the line in key locations and major cities.

Proposed first phase of Fluxjet

TransPod has proposed the first phase of the estimated $18 billion infrastructure project to link the Canadian cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Meanwhile, the cities are around 300 km (186 mi) apart or a three-hour drive. As FluxJet will offer travel speeds faster than a plane, and three times that of a high-speed train, this would cut the traveling time down to 45 minutes.

Reportedly, TransPod announced earlier this year that the company has so far secured $550 million in finance for the project. Meanwhile, currently, the project is in the research and development phase. In this phase, the company is focusing on environmental assessment and land acquisition.

CNN quotes Sebastien Gendron, co-founder and CEO of TransPod as saying the first phase of construction consists of the connection of the Edmonton airport. This phase is planned to start at the end of 2023. Meanwhile, the full line connecting Calgary to Edmonton is hoped to be completed in 2027.

Good for the environment

Fluxjet isn’t just about fast transportation, as it will help to massively cut highway traffic. Moreover, it is also planned to reduce CO2 emissions by around 636,000 tons per year. The new vehicle would be able to transport up to 54 passengers and 10 tons of cargo at a time, with trains leaving every two minutes.

TransPod claims that FluxJet will cost approximately 44 percent less than an average plane ticket for the same journey. However, so far, there is no timeline as to when the public can expect to travel on a FluxJet. Equally, there is no news so far of which other cities could benefit from the multi-billion-dollar network.

How does FluxJet work?

According to TransPod, the magnetically levitated FluxJet trains will travel on their guideways using aerodynamic and propulsion systems, designed to reduce friction. The company described the experience as feeling like accelerating smoothly on a jet runway, then “coasting a full speed inside the tube guideway.”

Meanwhile, Gendron said his team estimates that FluxJet will transport the first public passengers before 2035. Beyond the Calgary to Edmonton connection, he said discussions are already underway in Texas to connect Dallas to San Antonio. Meanwhile, there are similar discussions in the UAE to connect Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Moreover, other plans are to connect Sydney to Brisbane in Australia.