Multi-Criteria Analysis of the proposed Hyperloop transport project in Northern Holland

Sammanfattning: New technological advancements such as the “Hyperloop” touted as “the fifth mode of transport” could be an answer to the problems ailing the current transport industry. Hyperloop consists of transport pods running through low pressure tubes for the high speed(upto 1000 km/hr) transportation of goods and people. This technology came into prominence after the open design concept “Hyperloop Alpha” was published by Musk (2013) and since then several governments, academia and private firms have shown interest in the technology with a few test tracks being built in the U.S and Europe. The first Hyperloop human passenger tests at 48m/s (173kmph) inside the vacuum tube were successfully carried out by Virgin Hyperloop at Las Vegas, U.S.A in November 2020 (Mlot, S., 2020). Hardt in collaboration with the Province of North Holland had published a concept study on the impact of 5 proposed Hyperloop routes in Northern Holland (Prov. N-Holland & Hardt, 2020). This research project explores the proposed Hyperloop transport solution in North Holland and its neighbouring areas from a social, socio-economic and environmental perspective as a comparison with existing rail and aviation transport alternatives. A Multi-Criteria Analysis of one of the proposed Hyperloop transport project routes was conducted as a comparison with existing rail and aviation transport alternatives. Results showed that Hyperloop was the highest ranked transport alternative overall in this study, closely followed by Rail, and Aviation was ranked last. Within the social criteria, Hyperloop was ranked best whereas within socio-economic and environmental criteria, Rail was ranked as the best alternative. This MCA could be useful as an aid to decision makers such as regional and national governments, transport policymakers or investors for any similar Hyperloop transport projects within Europe.