Gendron debunked myths, stressing FluxJet’s smooth acceleration, deceleration, and magnetic levitation.
New Delhi: At the NXT Conclave, Sebastien Gendron, Founder and CEO of TransPod, emphasized the company’s commitment to revolutionizing high-speed transportation. Addressing the audience, Gendron stated, “Our vision is to create the next generation of AI-speed transportation for those who are familiar with the current state-of-the-art high-speed train.” He highlighted that the concept of tube transportation has been around for over a century and is now evolving into viable infrastructure.
Clarifying misconceptions about high-speed tube transport, Gendron remarked, “Be careful. We’re not designing a magnetic gun. We’re not shooting people in a tube. We’re talking about decent acceleration and deceleration. It will take a few kilometers to reach top speed and several
Discussing the company’s roadmap, Gendron revealed that TransPod aims to commercialize the technology within the next three to five years, starting with a project in Alberta, Canada. “We signed, in 2020, a memorandum of understanding with the Alberta government to develop our first line between Calgary and Edmonton,” he said. With a $500 million investment already secured, construction on a test track connecting Edmonton Airport to the city is expected to begin as early as 2026.
He also underscored TransPod’s strategy to attract private funding by integrating freight transportation. “You need every taxpayer’s money to make it work. So we want to avoid that. One way to make a better business case is actually to mix with freight, so our line can transport both time-sensitive freight and passengers,” he explained.
Gendron highlighted growing interest in TransPod’s technology worldwide. “Texas is showing interest in building a line to connect Dallas to the Mexican border—Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Laredo. We also have some good conversations in the UAE,” he shared, noting that the region seeks to enhance freight transport between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
He further mentioned Saudi Arabia and Australia as potential markets, with discussions already underway in Melbourne regarding airport connectivity and a possible Melbourne-Sydney corridor.
Concluding his address, Gendron emphasized the importance of risk-taking in technological advancement. “China is leading the pack. They invested, and they know that if you want to be a leading country, you need to take a bit of risk and develop new technologies to be a leader in this field in the next few years.”