The first reporting period (December 2024 – February 2026) focused primarily on the Design Concept and the Network and Route Business Case, which together represent the analytical and technical core of the project's first phase.
WP2 – Design Concept
The work in WP2 is structured around three iterative cycles, each progressively refining the hyperloop concept through the integration of stakeholder inputs, systems engineering, safety analysis, and technical design.
Task 2.1 (Technology Identification) was completed. A comprehensive overview of existing hyperloop concepts, technologies, and development statuses was produced, collecting data on five distinct hyperloop concepts from consortium members, alongside relevant technical specifications, CAPEX/OPEX estimates, and safety approaches. The resulting deliverable (D2.1) was submitted and formally approved.
Task 2.2 (Concept of Operations) progressed through two complete iterations. Stakeholder needs were collected via four dedicated surveys and two workshops, involving railway operators, infrastructure managers, public authorities, and end users. The inputs were analysed through Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA), applying weighted RAMSSHEC criteria (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety, Security, Health, Environment, and Cost) to rank and prioritise operational alternatives. Six Concept of Operations applications were defined and evaluated, leading to the selection of a direct long-distance passenger service as the reference concept. A third and final iteration is currently underway.
Task 2.3 (System Requirements and Architecture) also advanced through two iterations in parallel, establishing a structured System Requirement Specification and System Architecture derived from the Concept of Operations. Traceability between operational requirements, system functions, and safety inputs was implemented using Polarion software, and the subsystem breakdown structure and interface definitions were drafted.
Task 2.4 (Functional Hazard Assessment) followed the same iterative structure. A safety risk matrix was developed based on European railway RAMS standards (EN 50126) and the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment. Hyperloop-specific hazards were identified across key areas including vacuum operation, high-speed travel, levitation and guidance, and innovative signalling. Two emergency management strategies were assessed: a railway-based infrastructure evacuation approach and an aviation-style vehicle-based approach. The former was selected as the reference solution, from which high-level safety requirements were derived, drawing on TSI-SRT provisions adapted to the hyperloop context.
Task 2.5 (Hyperloop Design Concept) produced a significant methodological contribution in the form of the hyperloop "supermodel", a parametric system model considering the main hyperloop interfaces and dependencies in order to evaluate different design concepts against key performance indicators. Six distinct system concepts were assessed, and one was selected for detailed development. The third design iteration is currently under way, covering 3D modelling, subsystem specifications, and the integration of safety requirements into the final concept. Interim results from WP2 are reported in D2.2 to be submitted for review.
WP3 – Network and Route Business Case
Task 3.1 (Network and Use Case Identification) resulted in the submission of deliverable D3.1. The work developed a European hyperloop network vision, positioning the system within the future multimodal TEN-T framework and assessing its interactions with rail and aviation. A demand modelling framework was built, including a Multinomial Logit (MNL) mode choice model calibrated using real data on ticket costs, travel times, airport connectivity, modal shares, and socioeconomic indicators. The model enables the quantitative comparison of hyperloop with existing modes across candidate corridors. A life-cycle assessment and impact analysis were also carried out to support the evaluation of candidate routes.
Task 3.2 (Business Cases and Operating Models) delivered the first business case, focused on the Marseille–Rome corridor, which was selected based on the network analysis as one of the most promising routes. The business case applied a five-case model framework, covering strategic, economic, financial, commercial, and management dimensions, and included demand forecasting, modal shift analysis, CAPEX/OPEX estimates, and a socio-economic cost-benefit assessment. The work is currently awaiting formal feedback from the EU-Rail JU. Two additional business cases are planned for the next reporting period.
