Ecacuated Tube Transport

What is ETT? ETT stands for Evacuated Tube Transport. ETT is the fastest and most efficient way to travel. It uses well known methods, parts, and technologies. The patented system works by eliminating virtually all friction normally associated with travel. Three basic embodiments range from: low tech low speed systems for local use at speeds below 200 mph; to high tech systems for continental and intercontinental transport up to 4,000 mph or more. For greater detail see technology section. 

Who can use ETT? Just like trains, initial ETT use will be for cargo, and along high use routes of travel. 
Once proven, construction will rapidly spread. Since the system is efficient in energy and materials use, high-speed travel will be low cost, and sustainable. Eventually, everyone in the world may use the system. 

Who's going to operate ETT? For fiscal operation, both corporate and public operation is encouraged by the non-exclusive, low cost licensing plan. The license promotes both cooperation and competition. 
Physical operation of the system is by automated computer control. The only input and skills required are the ability to chose and enter a destination. 

When can I use ETT? In the year 1900 less than one percent of the population had seen an automobile. By 1935 ninety nine percent of horse and buggy travel had been replaced by automotive means. People are less resistant to change than they where a hundred years ago. Now people demand change, when clear benefits are perceived. If you, and those you know, support the ETT system, (even if it is just telling others about it), we could all enjoy low cost world travel in less than 10 years. 

How much will it cost to ride? The energy and material use is very low, and the durability of the components is great; so the initial, and operating cost will be much less than current methods of travel (the rate can be less than a penny per passenger mile). Some licensees believe that cost will be so low that advertising could pay for most travel, just like it pays for TV, or free Internet. Depending on who you are, advertisers may actually pay you to travel while watching their presentation! The cost will depend on many factors such as the design speed, the topography, and the demand. 

Construction: Who is going to build it? 
Those who license the technology and collaborate with one another will build ETT systems. The philosophy is an open system (like Linux), with chaordic rules (like VISA credit card service) where improvements are made by many collaborators working to achieve mutual benefits, but the collaborators have a mechanism for getting paid to the extent of their contribution. People who now work in almost any field will build components, or provide services that make the ETT system possible. Even though most do not realize it, everyone has underutilized, unique skills or assets that could be used to help manifest the ETT system. All the skills, production capacity, materials, and labor force required to build the system exist right now. By purchasing a life-time ETT license for just a hundred bucks, anyone can competitively propose and bid on ETT related work. Since one out of five dollars spent are spent on transportation, there is a tremendous market available for your latent skills or assets. The licensee web site at www.et3.net will be the market place for skills and assets relating to ETT projects. 

When will a prototype be built? Prototypes, or production components for all of the individual systems used by ETT exist right now. These components / facilities / materials etc. will be virtually assembled into an ETT system over the Internet. As the real components are assembled virtually, plans and alliances are formed for actual construction. A Licensee acts according to the following outline to add the parts they can supply:

1. Look over the ETT tech files and determine the classification for your skills, component, material, asset, or service. (If a classification does not exist, propose one) 
2. Post your licensee information and what you offer / need; along with delivery lead times and prices, in the appropriate classifications. 
3. Look for projects you have an interest in, submit offers / or express needs. 
4. Contact Licensees who offer what you need or need what you offer; to cooperate on assemblies, and work out standards etc. 
5. When all required classifications are represented by licensees, bid winners start to work. 

Initially it is likely that a small demo system will be built first. 

Where will the first one be built? Economics and politics will come into play to determine the optimal location for the first systems. Attractive routes will be between major cities, over unpopulated flat, dry terrain, below the latitudes where the ground freezes. (India and China are the most promising places for initial system implementation). 

What is the tube made out of? The tubes can be made of any durable substance that is capable of holding a vacuum. Every route will have special requirements according to local conditions and economics. Some possible materials include but are not limited to: Sealed concrete, glazed ceramic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and plastics. 

How much will it cost? Since primitive man first made a dugout canoe, the demand for transportation improvements has increased. Transportation expenditures are around 14% of the world economy. The rate of growth of transportation is double the rate of growth of the world economy. In developed countries it has grown to 20% or one trillion dollars per year in the USA. Experts have estimated that the costs of ETT transport will be much less than current systems. The right-of-way requirements are around 5% of an interstate freeway. The materials use for spans will less than one tenth. The parts will have a much greater life, further reducing costs. A detailed analysis prepaired in 2003 calculated the cost of a 350mph system to be about $2million / mile. 

Will the tube be under ground or above ground? Both underground and above ground systems will be built, according to local conditions and economic requirements. 

How many people fit in a capsule? Capsules 2 feet in diameter and 8 feet long could be used for one person lying down. Capsules could be made big enough to accommodate a bus. Economics will dictate capsule size, and our research shows that the best capsule size has already been proven by the most successful vehicle in the world - the automobile. The average car carries 4-6 passengers, or 800 to 900 pounds of payload. A 51" (1.3m) diameter capsule 16 feet long could accommodate 6 persons. This is estimated to be the best compromise between utility and cost. 

How big are the tubes? Tubes less than a foot in diameter would have use for mail and small packages. Tubes 20 feet in diameter could accommodate a bus. It is estimated that a 5 foot (1.5m) diameter tube could accommodate almost all transport needs. 


More info on: ET3