
Flevoland ideal for hyperloop test track: Infrastructure Minister
The Netherlands is full of possibilities for a hyperloop test track, but Flevoland is the most suitable location, Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen wrote to the Tweede Kamer. She asked TNO to investigate the economic and social usefulness and the feasibility of testing the hyperloop in the Netherlands, and eventually building a permanent track, ANP reports.
The hyperloop is a super fast means of transportation through a vacuum tube. The technology is still in the testing phase, but scientists believe that it will eventually be able to transport travelers and goods at speeds of up to 1,200 kilometers per hour. Several companies, including Dutch company Hardt and American company Hyperloop One, are currently looking for suitable test locations.
According to the Minister, she is working with both Hyperloop One and Hardt to further explore "what is needed to realize a test run in the Netherlands". Though she added that the decision on whether this will actually materialize, is up to the new Dutch government.
TNO concluded that 5 kilometers along Vogelweg between Almere and Lelystad is the best spot for a test track. And as frist commercial route, the report suggests a 57 kilometer long connection between Schiphol and Lelystad Airport.