Metro council receives request for hyperloop study, connecting Twin Cities and Rochester

(ABC 6 News) – A non-profit theorizes a future that connects Rochester to the Twin Cities in 15 minutes. Assuming it’s possible.

The non-profit Global Wellness Connections is petitioning for $2.5 million to conduct a study on the feasibility of a “hyperloop” project between Rochester and Bloomington.

The project also has the endorsement of the cities of Bloomington and Rochester, as well as the University of Minnesota.

Global Wellness Connection’s proposal was inspired by Mayo Clinic Bold. Forward. Unbound initiative, investing $5 billion in Rochester. Destination Medical Center also plans to invest between $4 to $70 million in Rochester.

A hyperloop, according to the proposal, is a transportation system that would use capsules moving through tubes via electromagnetic propulsion and magnetic levitation.

The project would exist nearly entirely underground, keeping farms and rural communities unburdened by the hypothetical infrastructure.

The study would also survey an effective route, avoiding groundwater resources, heavy materials and other barriers. The survey would also seek to avoid wildlife habitats and forestry.

Global Wellness Connections estimates the hyperloop could transport people and light freight between the Twin Cities area and Rochester in less than 15 minutes, moving at more than 700 miles per hour.

The study would seek to define the exact costs and economic benefits of the hyperloop, while also further developing the still new hyperloop technology.

Notably, a similar project in California ultimately fell apart last December, after nearly 10 years of efforts.

The proposal suggests the project would, in part, satisfy the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Toward Zero Deaths goal by taking drivers off the roads.

Global Wellness Connections estimates the project could transport more than three million people a year, increasing access to Rochester healthcare systems and connecting jobs between both cities.

If constructed, the project would begin and end at MSP and Rochester Airports.

The project could extend Minnesotans’ reach out of state. MnDOT plans to start two daily train services from St. Paul’s Union Depot sometime this year, further connecting Minnesota throughout Wisconsin and Chicago.

A hyperloop project could reduce a train commutes between Chicago and St. Paul from five hours to 40 minutes, according to Global Wellness Connections.

A hyperloop project is currently under development connecting Chicago, Cleveland and Pittsburg, though operating on a vague timeline.

Beyond economic impacts, Global Wellness Connections also proposes the hyperloop project could offer significant reductions on pollution, creating a greener Minnesota.

The Environmental Protection Agency found transportation to one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gases in 2021.

The non-profit estimates the project would significantly reduce singe-occupant vehicle trips, reduce commuting traffic on highways by thousands.

The United Nations found that transitions away from single-occupant commuting can reduce carbon emissions by 2.2 tons per person.

Hyperloop technology is, hypothetically, a zero-emission transportation technology, according to multiple hyperloop development companies.

As a by-product, cities could also reduce necessary parking requirements, something already in consideration for legislation.

The full proposal can be read below.