The ET3 Consortium is pushing for the development of Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) technology. The technology involves sending car-sized capsules (containing people and/or cargo) through a 5-foot diameter vacuum tube on frictionless maglev tracks.
ET3 says speed in initial ET3 systems is 600km/h (370 mph) for in state trips, but they say it could be developed to 6,500 km/h (4,000 mph) for international travel. This would allow passenger or cargo to travel from New York City to Beijing in 2 hours or New York City to L.A. in 45 minutes. The ET3 consortium also says the technology is very cheap compared to other means of transportation. ET3.com has reportedly sold 60 licenses for the technology in five countries so far. Is this the future? Video below.