Is this better than the “Hyperloop”?

Yes. The Atomopod system is superior to the Hyperloop design, in several ways. The Hyperloop design still falls prey to the majority of the shortcomings of traditional rail transit (and air travel).

For one, the Hyperloop is not practical to build. Even if its tracks are raised, it requires a structure that can support a train weighing many tons—this means big infrastructure and land acquisition, the same problems preventing construction of new rail lines. This problem is compounded by the fact that a Hyperloop rail line would need several miles to make even a slight turn left or right, to avoid subjecting passengers to nauseating g-forces at the proposed speeds. This makes it impossible to build over existing transit corridors, which have many relatively sharp turns in them. The Atomopod avoids this issue, with the spherical floating cabin keeping passengers oriented despite twists and turns.

And, like trains and airplanes, the Hyperloop is constrained both geographically and chronologically, by the locations of stations and the schedules of train routes. This means you still have to get to and from the Hyperloop station, and can only go when they have your route available.

For example: even if they built a Hyperloop system connecting LA to San Francisco, what if you wanted to go from LA to Napa Valley? You would still require significant additional transportation besides the Hyperloop. As we all know, the trip to and from the airport is often more difficult than the flight! Same with the Hyperloop.

Whereas, an Atomopod will pick you up at your house and deliver you directly to your destination, all in one, point-to-point, on your own schedule, with the push of a button, while still traveling at very high speeds.

And because the the lightweight pods are distributed across the rail network in time and space, the system infrastructure will be lightweight and unobtrusive, allowing it to be built over land already occupied by highways.

What if it’s a long trip and I have to use the restroom?

You can command the pod to make a stop along your route, just like if you were driving an automobile.

It looks fragile; won’t it crack like a snow globe?

The actual vehicle will have substantially more structural elements than the images shown here (which have been simplified for clarity). Once reinforced, the strong spherical design will make the Atomopod safer than any vehicle on the road.

It look precarious; won’t it fall off the rails?

Again, the images seen here are simplified. The actual vehicle will be designed to ensure that it does not go off the rails, by use of a secondary top rail, or other mechanism.

What about my stuff?

The Atomopod will have storage capacity similar to a car. For more items, passengers can summon a cargo pod (without seats) to follow them on their journey.

How many seats?

The pods will comfortably seat two average sized adults. Larger individuals can enjoy a roomy experience riding solo.

Connected screens in every pod will allow passengers to stay in touch with family and friends in other pods, so even riding solo you won’t be alone.