[Cincinatus]

Although there are many technical problems with the "space elevator" (for example, atmospheric corrosion of carbon nanotube structures make the structure's long-term viability questionable), even if it is ever built, it cannot be used to transport people. It traverses the van Allen radiation belts too slowly, causing excessive radiation exposure to human passengers.

Great for cargo, but people will still need rockets to go to space, both to LEO and beyond GEO from the space elevator terminus.

[PreciousLiberty]

“It traverses the van Allen radiation belts too slowly, causing excessive radiation exposure to human passengers.”

That depends on the allowable size and weight of the compartment. A larger elevator could have shielding.

The bigger problem with the concept is what happens when a meteor, space junk or human action severs it...