As I understand it, the idea was put out there because of how incredibly underwhelming the high-speed train plans were for California. Musk noted that even afte

As I understand it, the idea was put out there because of how incredibly underwhelming the high-speed train plans were for California. Musk noted that even after a decade of work they wouldn't have one of the fastest trains in the world, but instead a mediocre-at-best train with enormous expense. Then something happened and the "nudge" became more real when the press started asking Musk about it and taking it much more seriously. So now they're doing the correct thing and building a space track. >This idea is not new; it has existed for decades. But while a vactrain sounds like a good concept, it's relatively unfeasible to actually build. >This idea is not new; it has existed for decades. But while an electric car sounds like a good concept, it's relatively unfeasible to actually build. >This idea is not new; it has existed for decades. But while a commercial space company sounds like a good concept, it's relatively unfeasible to actually build.