A US rail promoter is trying to get funds and approval to build a maglev (magnetic levitation) train line between NYC and DC. TNEM, the company, has already applied for permits to build on an old right-of-way between DC and Baltimore.
Magnetic levitation trains operate by having the opposing magnetic forces of the train and the track keep the train just above the track—no friction! It’s long been a demonstration technology, but in recent years Shanghai, China has built an extensive system, and Japan is now building lines. The Japanese technology has been offered without royalty payments in hopes of creating a market for Japanese manufacturers.
But, as the Wall Street Journal ARTICLE points out, there are many obstacles…