Considering the miserable USA cannot even create a conventional-wheeled high speed rail line (suitable straight-enough track too costly), it seems absurd to ask for a vactrain (way more costly, plus even greater straightness demands). The "ballistic" plan seems also absurd (high G forces, plus what if it misses the target a bit?). Maybe those who like these should consider the Jules Verne plan, where we tunnel straight thru the earth to Australia, evacuate tunnel, and then gravity supplies almost all necessary forces. "Simple." I believe that we're going to run out of fossil fuels whereupon fast cheap air transport may vanish forever. -- Warren D. Smith http://RangeVoting.org <-- add your endorsement (by clicking "endorse" as 1st step)