Hyperloop One has named a line from Glasgow to Wales as one of nine potential European routes for its revolutionary public transport system.

The proposal sees passengers and cargo loaded into a pod and accelerated gradually via electric propulsion through a low-pressure tube reaching speeds of up to 700mph.

Designed for higher energy efficiency per passenger mile than traditional modes of transport, the pod quickly lifts above the track using magnetic levitation and glides at airline speeds for long distances due to ultra-low aerodynamic drag.

The nine proposed routes, revealed as part of the firm’s Global Challenge, include a 658-mile link starting in Glasgow, making its way via Edinburgh down the east coast to London before terminating in Cardiff – with the entire journey taking just 89 minutes.

In total the proposed routes will connect over 75 million people in 44 cities, spanning 5,000 kilometres.

Shervin Pishevar, co-founder and executive chairman of Hyperloop One, said: “Europe embraces new ideas in transportation like no other region in the world and is uniquely positioned to take the next great leap in transportation with Hyperloop One. Our vision is to, one day, connect all of Europe with our Hyperloop One system, networking the entire continent.”

Rob Lloyd, chief executive officer of Hyperloop One, added: “For Europe, Hyperloop One technology is complementary to existing highways, rails, ports and overall infrastructure. Hyperloop One will offer Europe’s transport grid with an option that is more efficient, greener, on-demand and faster. We’ve seen a lot of interest here, and we look forward to creating a partnership to enhance the continent’s transport infrastructure.”

The project is still in the development stage, but could potentially be ready for the first passengers by 2020.