Baltic, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Innovations, Lithuania, Technology, Transport

People behind the new means of transport say that Hyperloop is cheaper, faster and less polluting than usual railways.

"The technology is very interesting and I think promising. A model was proposed that the innovative railway, which its authors describe as cheaper than the standard railway, could exist as an additional line next to Rail Baltica. (…) We have agreed that Lithuania will keep its interest, a study will be conducted to show how the railway would look like in the region and what it would take for it to come here," Masiulis said after meeting with representatives of Hyperloop One on Friday.

In his words, it is still too early to speak about the cost of Lithuania's participation in the Hyperloop development project.

"We are talking about revolution in the field of transport, therefore, we should first of all look into all possibilities and then discuss implementation. (…) I see such line connecting Lithuania with Europe, we could travel north to Tallinn or Helsinki," said the minister.

After the meeting with Lithuanian ministers of transport and economy, Hyperloop One vice-president Alan James said that building the new-generation road would cost half of the price of the usual high-speed railway line. In his words, an agreement has been reached with officials of the Lithuanian and Estonian governments to prepare a study into construction of Hyperloop next to the Rail Baltica track. With the conclusions in place, an address would be made to the European Commission to secure support and funding for the project.