Not so friendly reminder that musk specifically came up with, and pushed, for hyperloop knowing that it would never be made, as an effort to stop the development of highspeed rail in America and shift all political discussions of it because “something better is around the corner”:

As I’ve written in my book, Musk admitted to his biographer Ashlee Vance that Hyperloop was all about trying to get legislators to cancel plans for high-speed rail in California—even though he had no plans to build it. Several years ago, Musk said that public transit was “a pain in the ass” where you were surrounded by strangers, including possible serial killers, to justify his opposition.

source: new york times

Also: 2024 update, the total length of China’s high-speed rail tracks has now reached well over 45,000 km, or 28,000 miles, by the end of 2023.

They are additionally five years ahead of schedule and expect to double the total number within ten years. And, before someone inevitably complains about “how expensive it is”, they are turning over a net-profit of over $600M USD a year.

Via

  • CaptPretentious@lemmy.worldEnglish
    31·
    2 months ago

    Are you being serious? Are you equating roller coasters to the hyperloop?

    Cuz if you’re going to equate things you should equate the hyperloop to the Titan submersible from last year.

    • WhatYouNeed@lemmy.worldEnglish
      23·
      2 months ago

      Titan made a few successful dives before the big squash.

      Take a chance, roll them bones. After all, here for a good time, not a long time.

      • zalgotext@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        21·
        2 months ago

        If I’m talking chances, I’ll do it on my own terms, not those of a narcissistic asshole billionaire.

        Also when’s the last time someone experienced fucking vacuum implosion on a roller coaster? I ride roller coasters because it’s a safe way to get an adrenaline rush, not because of the possibility of fucking dying.