(Source: http://thumbnails.cbc.ca/maven_legacy/thumbnails/156/19/brunhuber-hyperloop-still1.jpg)

Hyperloop technology is on the verge of completely changing the way objects move around the world. If you have not heard of Hyperloop, I’d recommend reading the CBC article to create an understanding of what I am about to discuss.

The CBC article addresses the consumer feasibility of the project and how marketing can supplement expenses. Lloyd Marino, an employee working on the project, is hopeful that advertising and big data can generate information in return for capital.

Selling customer information for personal gain is not a new concept. We know in the early wars traitors developed a reputation for a reason. In the modern day, companies like Facebook and Google can trade our everyday activity to generate market potential for private businesses. If this is a model that has proven financially feasible, why would future hyperloop technology consider anything differently?

Personal information will only be as valuable as another party is willing to pay for it. At the end of the day, information is intangible and has no defined market. I think, there is a cap on how much personal information can be collected from society; meaning, we should be considering alternative models for financial sustainability.

In the Brew Creek Centre Client Challenge, the client explores a financial model that is used by many social enterprises for scalability. A model where willing and wealthy clients pay a premium and excess funds are allocated towards providing for vulnerable groups.

Hyperloop will be a global revolution if it is accessible to all. If the transportation services are only available to rich customers it will be hard to justify constructing tubes in people’s backyards. Think: oil and gas industry. A high price point communicates a luxury status rather than a necessity. Think: public transportation, low price point, accessible to all and deemed a necessity to any urban centre.

A financial model that subsidizes less wealthy citizens will bridge the gap between total expenses and average ticket price making Hyperloop technology accessible to more consumers.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/hyperloop-elon-musk-levitating-pod-1.3499651