A National Vision for MagLev Transit in America 901482
This is an assessment of United States High Speed Guided Transit (HSGT) systems policy, vision, goals, and magnetic levitation development and commercialization technology. It includes a historical review of past magnetic levitation vehicle developments, a review of the present status of MagLev trains, and an outline of future conventional (EML) Electro Magnetic Levitation for speeds under 400 km/h; and, (SC) Super Conductive (EDL) Electro Dynamic Levitation for subsonic speeds approaching 900 km/h.
Magnetic levitation transit technology has been under development in America since the United States Congress passed the 1965 High Speed Guided Transit Act (HSGT) which authorized the Department of Transportation to fund HSGT projects. Since this initial effort focused attention on the potential of the magnetic levitation concept for very high speed transit applications, this technology has been an ongoing development in Europe and Japan.
Consequently, prototype MagLev trains are now considered ready for introduction into intercity commercial service, and ultimately in subsonic applications up to 900 km/h. In America, new initial steps were taken in 1989 by the US DOT, in a one year assessment of United States transportation policy and system needs for the future, under Secretary for DOT, Mr. Samuel K. Skinner. US DOT transportation policy recommendations were made to the Office of the President of the United States in May 1990.
