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Japan’s maglev train reached a world record speed of approximately 370 mph back in April, dwarfing the 100 mph of the average Amtrak train in the US.
Some see these magnetic levitation trains as the mode of transportation of the future. Maglev trains allow passengers to travel faster than ever before, drastically cutting commute times. Beyond time efficiency, these trains promise cleaner energy as they rely on magnets, rather than electricity or coal, to propel them forward.
The Japanese have been pioneering high-speed train technology for decades, but they are not planning on keeping the technology to themselves. It is reported that Japan has set its sights on introducing the high-speed rail technology to the United States. One of the areas being considered for the United State’s first maglev is the New York to DC route, which would feature a 15-minute travel time between Baltimore and DC.
Recently, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan visited Japan to test ride a maglev train and came out voicing support for the technology’s introduction to the US. According to the Baltimore Sun, Hogan even signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzi Abe.
While the appeal of a 15-minute ride between DC and Baltimore is large, it is important to consider the costs associated with these high-speed trains.
Maglev trains are accompanied by large price tags. According to Al Jazeera, a maglev line to be built between Tokyo and Nagoya is expected to cost around 50 billion USD. Pricier yet, the proposed New York to DC line is estimated to cost around 150 billion USD. While it is expected that the US and Japanese governments would split the cost of the rail’s construction, spending this kind of money requires major consideration. This amount of funds could also be put towards addressing other domestic concerns, like paying off the US debt.
The US must also consider what kind of effects maglev construction would have on the environment. Maglev trains utilize different technology than your average train; therefore the maglev rail could not be constructed on top of existing railways. Additionally, the location of maglev railway construction should be a major consideration, because cutting through green areas or pre-existing towns could cause conflict. If the construction of the railways disrupts the environment, it could diminish the trains’ “green” qualities.
Overall, deciding on whether to pursue maglev trains is a discussion of costs and benefits. Hogan’s interest in acquiring a $28 million grant to explore the possibility of a maglev line is a good step, as it is important to fully explore the effects a maglev train could have on society and the environment before committing to its construction. Once the effects are fully understood it may be easier to tell if the world’s fastest train’s benefits, outweigh its price tag.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
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High-Speed at High Costs?
Train on the way
June 17, 2015
Japan’s maglev train reached a world record speed of approximately 370 mph back in April, dwarfing the 100 mph of the average Amtrak train in the US.
Some see these magnetic levitation trains as the mode of transportation of the future. Maglev trains allow passengers to travel faster than ever before, drastically cutting commute times. Beyond time efficiency, these trains promise cleaner energy as they rely on magnets, rather than electricity or coal, to propel them forward.
The Japanese have been pioneering high-speed train technology for decades, but they are not planning on keeping the technology to themselves. It is reported that Japan has set its sights on introducing the high-speed rail technology to the United States. One of the areas being considered for the United State’s first maglev is the New York to DC route, which would feature a 15-minute travel time between Baltimore and DC.
Recently, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan visited Japan to test ride a maglev train and came out voicing support for the technology’s introduction to the US. According to the Baltimore Sun, Hogan even signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzi Abe.
While the appeal of a 15-minute ride between DC and Baltimore is large, it is important to consider the costs associated with these high-speed trains.
Maglev trains are accompanied by large price tags. According to Al Jazeera, a maglev line to be built between Tokyo and Nagoya is expected to cost around 50 billion USD. Pricier yet, the proposed New York to DC line is estimated to cost around 150 billion USD. While it is expected that the US and Japanese governments would split the cost of the rail’s construction, spending this kind of money requires major consideration. This amount of funds could also be put towards addressing other domestic concerns, like paying off the US debt.
The US must also consider what kind of effects maglev construction would have on the environment. Maglev trains utilize different technology than your average train; therefore the maglev rail could not be constructed on top of existing railways. Additionally, the location of maglev railway construction should be a major consideration, because cutting through green areas or pre-existing towns could cause conflict. If the construction of the railways disrupts the environment, it could diminish the trains’ “green” qualities.
Overall, deciding on whether to pursue maglev trains is a discussion of costs and benefits. Hogan’s interest in acquiring a $28 million grant to explore the possibility of a maglev line is a good step, as it is important to fully explore the effects a maglev train could have on society and the environment before committing to its construction. Once the effects are fully understood it may be easier to tell if the world’s fastest train’s benefits, outweigh its price tag.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
