Japanese high-speed maglev route revealed

Comments TRN
1

Join the discussion on the following article:

Japanese high-speed maglev route revealed

2

GEORGE E BENSON,

That would be the Chūō Main Line, given how few stops the maglev makes, it seems that this important trunk line is safe. The old Tokiado Main Line is still in operation, the older lines are needed to host commuter, local, and freight trains.

Chūō Main Line
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chūō_Main_Line

Editorial: National debate needed on ambitious maglev bullet train project
http://mainichi.jp/english/english/perspectives/news/20130923p2a00m0na014000c.html

3

Well it sure is fast, and I’ll love to take a ride, but it seems like once fully built it would be a bit anti-climactic, zoom underground and then your there!

Now before everyone clamors for maglev in the USA, remember that this project in Japan will cost many tens of billions, and so far US Government or the states have yet to find the money to fix the tracks on the Northeast Corridor.

Instead of super maglev Japan should instead focus on trying to sell America it’s great and super futuristic looking DMU train-sets which could work wonders on existing Amtrak routes like the Downeaster or Pacific Surfliner.

Getting our trains to average 75-mph would be a big achievement over here, do we really need to travel at 300-mph from NYC to DC?

Still, it’s very cool!

VIDEO LINK: Riding the Superconducting Maglev Train - Linear Motor Car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltqp4McM2wY

NEWS LINK: New maglev Shinkansen to run underground for 86% of initial route
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201309190078

JR Tokai eyes maglev trains abroad if political traps at home can be dodged
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/09/19/business/jr-tokai-eyes-maglev-trains-abroad-if-political-traps-at-home-can-be-dodged/#.UkDfWD-IqK5

Editorial: National debate needed on ambitious maglev bullet train project
http://mainichi.jp/english/english/perspectives/news/20130923p2a00m0na014000c.html

4

There is a high speed line between Tokyo and Nagoya already. A well used one. The new maglev is in addition, as a premium product that gets you there even faster.

5

I’m geussing there is an existing conventional line between those two points now. Are they going to totally abandon that one and go entirely toward the Maglev? Has that been decided yet?

6

“Maglev” makes as much sense as “Monorail”. Maybe California will emulate.

7

This is one of the few places in the world where MagLev makes sense. Currently, there is a conventional rail line as well as the Shinkansen (bullet) train serving the route. Both are heavily used. During peak travel times, 10 Shinkansen per HOUR depart Tokyo for Nagoya and some are standing room only.

Housing prices in metro-Tokyo have been so high that some companies provided commuter passes for the Shinkansen for their employees because it was cheaper than traditional housing subsidies. With Nagoya being “commuting distance” from Tokyo, getting the travel time down to under an hour makes some sense.

8

I wish them well, but a mostly underground route in an earthquake prone country? An expensive technology, as yet unproven in long distance service, just to save an hour of travel time? Seems a bit obsessive.

9

Maglev is very expensive compared to other modes of transit.
If it could be made more cheaply yet still be safe, I’d buy the idea. Subway maglev? Maybe the cost of underground construction is cheaper than topical? So much for sightseeing.
This project may be the acid test for the maglev dream we futurist train fans have held for decades.