this post was submitted on 12 Aug 2025
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Yeah, journey length is a huge factor. Over, like, a block or two walking is as dominant as a million years ago. Over continental distances airplanes are the thing to beat. Ordinary rail is promising, and vactrain concepts seem like the best very-long-term option. I did some napkin math once that shows for an antipodal trip, even orbital travel can be energy-competitive, given one of a couple improvements beyond existing rocketry.
You have to adjust for Chinese truth in advertising a bit, so we might not find out, although apparently their rail infrastructure is a notable bright spot. You have to think the shockwaves would be loud, and potentially damaging to the trains, and the solution would be preventing them from ever passing close by, either with barriers and a wider allowance or careful scheduling.