An emerging high-speed transport technology could link regional centres and capitals, including Newcastle to Sydney, Virgin Hyperloop One says.
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"Imagine being able to commute from Newcastle to Sydney in 13 minutes," company spokesman Ryan Kelly told the Newcastle Herald.
The Richard Branson-backed company is advancing plans for hyperloop, a system that involves tubular pods gliding at airline speeds through low-pressure tubes. Magnetic levitation enables the pods to float above tracks. They are estimated to reach speeds of about 1100km/h.
Mr Kelly said growing economies need "faster, cheaper, safer and more efficient transportation modes".
"We haven't had a major new form of transport in 100 years," he said.
"We're due for one, especially one that is ultra-fast, on-demand, direct to destination, emission-free, energy efficient, quiet, safe and reliable."
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He said the company was exploring the potential for an Australian national hyperloop network.
"Hyperloop can have a truly profound effect on the Australian economy in terms of social and economic transformation."
The company tested the world's first hyperloop prototype in 2017. Having run more than 400 tests at its Nevada site, Virgin Hyperloop One is preparing to launch a commercial system.
Before this happens, tests will be done with human passengers. Safety is considered the most important concern.
Tests with humans will occur after "all safety tests and certifications have been completed".
"The burden is on us to prove to regulators that our system is leagues beyond rail in terms of our capabilities and safety."
Mr Kelly said hyperloop eliminates many of the components that pose safety risks in other transport modes.
"Instead of steel wheels, we use smooth magnetic levitation. We have no at-grade crossings or mechanical switches - the leading risks for rail," he said.
"Our autonomous system is fully enclosed, so we eliminate driver-related error or interference. The system is also immune from most weather events."
The company expects hyperloop to be operating commercially in the near future.
"We are seeing incredible demand for this technology all over the world. We are currently working on projects in Colorado, Texas, the Midwest and Missouri."
The company is also working with various governments in India and the Middle East.
"We are on-track to break ground on a hyperloop route from Pune to Mumbai later this year, with commercial operations beginning in the mid 2020s," he said.