TransPod, a startup aiming to build the world’s leading hyperloop system, has opened global offices in Toronto (Canada), Bari (Italy), and Toulouse (France).

A hyperloop is a proposed mode of passenger and freight transportation that would propel a pod-like vehicle through a near-vacuum tube at more than airline speed

The expansion will support global growth and accelerate the development of a commercially viable hyperloop system by 2020. Founded in 2015 in the wake of Elon Musk’s 2012 hyperloop whitepaper proposal, TransPod’s operations have since expanded to facilitate advanced research and development with partners and experts in all three regions.

The Toronto office, TransPod’s headquarters, is located in the MaRS Centre in Toronto.

Bari, Italy is known for its influential and innovative business economic sector. TransPod’s Italian operation will enable deeper collaboration with SITAEL, Blackshape, and MERMEC – leaders in the spacecraft, aviation, and railway industries – throughout the testing and development phases of TransPod technologies.

TransPod’s French office in Toulouse is situated at the centre of the European aerospace industry, and was chosen to enhance joint efforts with IKOS, a leading engineering firm, and REC Architecture, a design and infrastructure partner.

The Toronto-based startup previously proposed a hyperloop system that would carry high-speed rail passengers between Montreal and Toronto in 30 minutes or less. With an expected average speed of 962 km/h and a max speed of 1220 km/h, the super fast commuting option would blast people to and from the Canadian cities 50 per cent faster than a plane and 300 per cent faster than a train.

“As TransPod enters the industrial phase of full system development, the expansion of our presence in these countries was a logical step in our growth strategy,” Sebastien Gendron, TransPod co-founder and CEO said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to be growing our team and global partner network so quickly, as we work to introduce hyperloop transportation around the world. Our current position increases our ability to service diverse markets to connect people, cities, and businesses.”

In November 2016, TransPod announced the closing of a seed round for $15 million USD, and is continuing to invest in research, product development, and global growth.

“The future of hyperloop will be its ability to virtually shrink distances and create a much more interconnected economy and true global community,” said Gendron. “It will facilitate the exchange of ideas, commerce, and resources. Ultimately, we’re talking about much more than just transportation here – we’re talking about improving quality of life and economic prosperity – and TransPod is at the forefront of this new chapter.”