Worldtubes

Worldtubes are a speculative concept for a global transportation network. The idea proposes a system of vacuum-sealed tubes through which passenger and cargo pods could travel at extremely high speeds, potentially approaching supersonic velocities. These tubes would be constructed either above ground on pylons or underground, creating a protected environment for transit.

The primary advantage of a worldtube system would be the dramatic reduction in travel times between distant locations. Theoretically, journeys that currently take many hours by air could be completed in a matter of minutes or a few hours. The vacuum environment would eliminate air resistance, allowing for efficient acceleration and sustained high speeds with minimal energy expenditure once cruising velocity is achieved.

While the concept has been explored in various forms of science fiction and by some futurists, the practical challenges of implementing such a system are immense. These include the enormous cost of construction, the engineering complexities of maintaining a vacuum over vast distances and varying terrains, ensuring safety and emergency protocols for passengers traveling at such speeds, and the significant land acquisition and environmental considerations. Despite these hurdles, the allure of rapid, efficient global travel continues to make worldtubes a subject of interest in discussions about future transportation.