Total/Capsule: $ 1,525,000 26000 Total for Hyperloop: $ 61,000,000 4.2. Tube The main Hyperloop route consists of a partially evacuated cylindrical tube that connects the Los Angeles and San Francisco stations in a closed loop system (Figure 2). The tube is specifically sized for optimal air flow around the capsule improving performance and energy consumption at the expected travel speed. The expected pressure inside the tube will be maintained around 0.015 psi (100 Pa, 0.75 torr), which is about 1/6 the pressure on Mars. This low pressure minimizes the drag force on the capsule while maintaining the relative ease of pumping out the air from the tube. The efficiency of industrial vacuum pumps decreases exponentially as the pressure is reduced (Figure 13), so further benefits from reducing tube pressure would be offset by increased pumping complexity. Figure 13. Typical vacuum pump speed for functional pressure range. In order to minimize cost of the Hyperloop tube, it will be elevated on pillars which greatly reduce the footprint required on the ground and the size of the construction area required. Thanks to the small pillar footprint and by maintaining the route as close as possible to currently operated highways, the amount of land required for the Hyperloop is minimized. More details are available for the route in section 4.4. The Hyperloop travel journey will feel very smooth since the capsule will be guided directly on the inner surface of the tube via the use of air bearings and suspension; this also prevents the need for costly tracks. The capsule will bank off the walls and include a control system for smooth returns to nominal capsule location from banking as well. Some specific sections of the tube will incorporate the stationary motor element (stator) which will locally guide and accelerate (or decelerate) the capsule. More details are available for the propulsion system in section 4.3. Between linear motor stations, the capsule will glide with little drag via air bearings.