[nuke rocketeer]

Actually, of all the proposed non-rocket methods of getting to LEO, this one is just behind the laser launcher as far as practicability. The proper material for a space cable may remain out of reach, but a laser powerful enough to launch pods into orbit will be available soon. A space elevator would provide the cheapest way for mass transportation. All you would need is electricity, and a good chunk of it would be provided by the elevators going back down to earth. I agree that 10 MPH is unrealistically slow, but 100-200 mph is not.

[Thermalseeker]

All you would need is electricity, and a good chunk of it would be provided by the elevators going back down to earth.

If the cable used for the elevator were conductive, would it not produce a current of electricity simply because it is passing through the earth's magnetic field? I would think a HUGE current flow would be generated.