TransPod, a Toronto-based hyperloop startup, released the results of its pre-feasibility study for a TransPod hyperloop line in Thailand from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, with an extension to Phuket.

The study demonstrates that a TransPod transportation system would result in an economic rate of return (ERR) of 13.78% for five years of construction and 30 years of operation, and an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) of 4.7%.

• The average speed of the TransPod vehicles will be 700 km/h, and its top speed is beyond 1,000 km/h. This is more than four times faster than HSR, which is projected to travel at an average speed of 150 km/h and a maximum speed of 250 km/h.

• TransPod’s technology is powered by renewable energies including self-sustainable solar power with zero fossil fuel consumption, for reduced carbon emissions.

The company presented the results in partnership with the leader of Thailand’s national Future Forward Party, with a joint goal to advance the country’s infrastructure and elevate its position as Southeast Asia’s leader in tech innovation.

TransPod’s pre-feasibility study highlights the benefits of a TransPod line, which include the following:

Economic benefits:

• Increase in national GDP: 4.7%

• Economic rate of return (ERR): 13.78%

• Total number of jobs created: 184,000 jobs

• Environmental benefits:

• Reduction in carbon emissions: 1.2 million tons per year

Human benefits:

• Savings on travel time: 200 million hours per year

• Reduction in road traffic fatalities: 16,000 casualties per year