Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) is an advanced technology in which magnetic forces lift, propel, and guide a vehicle over a guideway (usually elevated). Utilizing state-of-the-art electric power and control systems, this configuration eliminates physical contact between vehicle and guideway and permits cruising speeds of up to 300 mph, or almost two times the speed of conventional high-speed rail service. Because of its high speed, MagLev may be able to offer competitive trip-time savings to auto and aviation modes in the 40- to 600-mile travel markets-an ideal travel option for the 21st century.

Source: University of Washington

Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) status and information has been distributed at April 20, 2005 SCAG MagLev Task Force (PDF file) meeting.

Agenda / Attachments - 1.2M PDF (Click here)
MagLev Projects - In the U. S. & Worldwide - 0.6M PDF (Click here)
LAX / South High Speed Ground Access Study - 1.1M PDF (Click here)

The Transit Coalition Position

The best equipment and technology for use in public transportation is determined after unbiased research and study. We have strong concerns in starting with a technology or type of transportation vehicle and then working backwards to justify a predetermined conclusion. In all cases, other types of transportation need an adequate review, rather than comparing apples to oranges, which is done to justify the conclusions.

We believe in MagLev when used as intended, but not for short haul trips, which is planned in the Los Angeles Region. California High Speed Rail did an extensive study in using both MagLev and Steel wheels-on-steel technology for rail travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The proven Steel wheels-on-steel was selected for the project, even though MagLev had a slightly higher overall average speed.

The proposed MagLev system for the Los Angeles region is being designed with public funds. The construction and operations of the system, which is projected not to have any public subsidy for operation, is to be built and run by the private sector. The fare-box revenue is projected to pay off the revenue bonds and to cover the day-to-day operating cost. The stakeholders (the public) will guarantee the success of the system, or pay off the bonds and take the loss, with the investors not taking a risk or loss; just the profits if MagLev is successful.

Check out News, Information and Photos sections for additional MagLev coverage.

This is an article published in Scientific American, October 1997 issue. The article concluded that the main prospect for MagLev's future, if any, may be as a high-tech tourist ride. The article cited transportation expert Tony R. Eastham, who predicted that MagLev would not be implemented in Germany or Japan in large scale. The abandonment of Berlin-Hamberg MagLev project in 2000 validated his prediction.

This is an article published in Transportation Quarterly, spring 2002 by researchers from University of Pennsylvania. The article concludes that the advantages of MagLev over high speed rail (CSR) are few and small; on the other hand, CSR offers big advantages in terms of construction cost, system network and compatibility characteristics. The article also criticizes US MagLev policy and actions: like in Germany and Japan, it is driven by technology suppliers and sense of political prestige, instead of consumer demand or sound scientific evaluation.

In its February 16, 2001 issue The Urban Transportation Monitor published a summary of Professor Vuchic’s critical review of the decision by the US Department of Transportation to select MagLev as a High Speed Ground Transportation mode as well as to select the Washington D.C.-Baltimore corridor as one of two locations to develop a pilot project to test Magellan technology. In March 30, 2001 issue, the debate continued as Dr. Vuchic rebutted response from Maryland Mass Transportation Administration.

Shanghai Transrapid

Engineering World - April / May 2005 (Click here)
Transrapid June 2004 News Letter 625K PDF (Click here)
The technology is mature, safe, and reliable - by Mr Hong Chong´en (Click here)
American Society of Civil Engineers Magazine - November 2004 (Click here)
    •  Full size pictures from ASCE Magazine article (Click here)
12-8-2004 e-mail sent to the Webmaster regarding MagLev vs. Rail (Click here)