these concepts could be the hyperloop the idea isn t new the basic principle behind the hyperloop has been around for well over one hundred years it s based on a system of transport that was designs not for people but for letters and documents the pneumatic mail tube. in new york city a large network of new magic once connected entire districts. these tubes also delivered mail within buildings from one floor to the next. placed inside capsules documents were propelled through tubes at speeds of up to forty kilometers per hour using compressed air. to capture fit so snugly in the tube that no air can escape along the sides. air is sucked out of the tube in front of the capture of creating a suction that propels it. to.