[sigmar]

>Trying to work out what is new here.

As with most very large scale projects, PR is the game changer. Elon Musk's backing of the concept and investment into competitive solutions for a hyperloop has created publicity and driven interest. The hyperloop doesn't need to be an innovative technological advancement to benefit society. It just needs to be safe, fast, and cost effective.

[xiphias]

The whitepaper was more than just usual PR: he got lots of input of top engineers in the travel space and made the design free. I don't remember the CEO of Boing or BMW or any other transportation company doing anything similar.