Planetranes

Planetranes is a term used to describe a hypothetical planetary-scale transport network intended to connect distant regions across a planet. The concept envisions a web of integrated corridors—ground-level highways, stratospheric or near-space routes, and orbital transfer hubs—facilitated by technologies such as maglev infrastructure, autonomous logistics drones, and modular port facilities. The goal is to enable high-capacity, low-latency movement of people and goods across continental or transcontinental scales, potentially forming a backbone for planetary economies.

Variants differ on scope and technology. Some proposals imagine continuous surface corridors that link major urban centers, while others propose layered networks with surface roads, aerial lanes in the upper atmosphere, and orbital nodes for interplanetary-capable transport. The system would require global standards, traffic management, energy supply, and resilient power sources.

In speculative fiction and futurist planning discussions, planetranes serve as a narrative device or design blueprint to explore how a planet-wide transport network could reshape trade, migration, urban development, and governance.

They raise issues of equity, sovereignty, environmental footprint, and security, as large-scale networks concentrate both opportunity and risk.