COLUMBUS (WCMH) — It sounds like science fiction, but it could be a reality in Columbus…high speed travel without the use of a plane or a jet. It’s called Hyperloop and Columbus is now a semi-finalist to develop the technology.

Columbus is one of 35 semi-finalists to build the super-fast transportation system that would connect Chicago to Pittsburgh through Columbus.

Instead of a three hour drive you could get to Pittsburgh in just 10-15 minutes.

And forget seven hours in the car to Chicago. It would take less than 30 minutes.

MORPC, The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, said Hyperloop could revolutionize transportation. It’s a tube that would send passengers across the country at 700 mph.

“It’s certainly very futuristic,” said Thea Walsh with MORPC. “This is one of the many ways of the future that are being investigated.”

Hyperloop uses magnetic levitation allowing you to glide at airplane speed in pods moving through tunnels above or below ground. Thousands of cities applied. Columbus is one of just dozens left.

“There were 2,600 proposals submitted to Hyperloop One for the global challenge and I feel very fortunate that in the world of 2,600 proposals that we were in the top 35 that they chose.”

The Hyperloop can also transport freight, benefitting everyone.

“If you make that faster think of what we can do as part of the midwest economy, but as the national economy, what that would do for the national economy.”

A route could take decades. MORPC said it’s worth the wait.

“This would certainly help Columbus get ahead.”

Winning brings the experts and resources to Columbus to develop the Hyperloop. It doesn’t provide funds or construction. Three winners will be chosen in the end.