Hyperloop: LA to SF in 30 Minutes for $30
Hyperloop would work by sending an elevated train through a vacuum-sealed tube that cuts air resistance to that of a jet cruising at altitude, enabling it to travel an average of 600 miles per hour while maxing out at 760 mph. Imagine living at one end of California and commuting to a job at the other end — it opens up a number of lifestyle and economic opportunities that would change a lot about how people live and work.
But $16 billion is a heavy price, beyond the reach of most private industry and perhaps even out of reach of government subsidy. For example, the United States government will supply Amtrak with $340 million to boost its rail infrastructure in 2015, just 1/47 of what it would cost to build the Hyperloop.