The California High Speed Rail project has had its detractors from the beginning, but was pushed through the government despite all that. The proposed bullet-train is meant to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco. It also has a projected cost of $64 billion. It has only raised $21 billion so far, and cannot be subsidized. It is not meant to be completed until 2029. As a high speed rail, it would set two records: first, for the slowest high-speed rail in the world, and second, for the most expensive per mile in the world. Nevertheless, many California residents feel a need for such a transport system to further connect their state.

Serial entrepeneur Elon Musk proposed an alternative system in 2013, called the Hyperloop. Numerous start-ups are now working to develop this technology, which relies on pneumatic tubes and air-cushion levitation. It would make the trip in only 35 minutes, 1/4 of the time that the bullet train would take. He also estimated it would cost only $6 billion, or roughly one-tenth the cost. It would also run on renewable, solar energy. Detractors of this system state that the actual cost would be much greater. They also point out that the necessary technology has not even been developed yet. In addition, they question the comfort of riding through a narrow tube at near the speed of sound.

Despite these criticisms, the Hyperloop remains by far the best option for California. Even if the project would end up costing ten times as much as proposed (which is unwarranted), it would still be cheaper than the bullet train. To boot, it would be amazingly better no matter the price, for its speed and its sustainability.

The Hyperloop would be a statement. Three Eastern European countries, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary, are now collaborating to build one of their own. If America builds a Hyperloop, it reaffirms the fact that we are the top of the world in all things technology, research and development. It would also prove our national commitment to clean energy. The benefits are outstanding. Meanwhile, building the bullet train would show our incapability to work efficiently, and our lack of technological prowess. The High-Speed Rail would be an embarrassment.

Californians must now push for the Hyperloop. The future of transportation lies in their hands.