We’ll leave the technology to Musk, but the realities of financing and building such a system may exceed even his appetite for challenge. First, securing the land necessary to build a physical connection between the cities is difficult; it’s a problem still facing California’s high-speed rail. Musk will also need to either secure the backing of politicians who may not be eager to associate themselves with the controversial transit plan, or find billions in private funding for the infrastructure project himself.

Musk has proven to be a fairly savvy businessman, even when his passion projects are greeted with skepticism. But the scale of this endeavor, combining untried technology with political quagmire, may be beyond him. If he sinks major time into the plan without results, it may be remembered as his very own Spruce Goose.

We can only hope Musk’s August presentation will be as compelling as this one:

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.