Why is Maglev a major advance and how can it help to solve our critical transport problems?

First, maglev guideways are readily adaptable to existing rights of way and terrain with minimal environmental impact, and can carry enormous volumes of passengers. A 2-way maglev guideway system, for example, requiring a right of way less than 50 feet in width, could easily carry over 100,000 passengers per day. Because the guideway is constructed as a narrow beam on piers with a small footprint, its effect on the local terrain is minimal, compared to that for conventional highways. In fact, in many locations, maglev guideways would be built alongside already existing highways using their rights of ways, and would not need new land.

Second, because maglev travel is independent of weather and can be reliably and precisely scheduled, delays and congestion will be virtually eliminated.

Third, since maglev uses much less energy than autos and airplanes, and because its energy is not supplied from petroleum, it is not hostage to rising oil prices. Instead, maglev vehicles can be powered by solar, wind, or hydro renewable energy, or by coal fired power plants.

Fourth, maglev's high guideway capacity and low energy costs lead to total travel costs, in cents per passenger mile, that are much less than those for auto and air transport. The cost per passenger mile for a typical maglev trip should be less than ½ of that for air travel.

Fifth, because of its low energy usage, maglev travel will be much more comfortable and luxurious than air travel. The M-2000 vehicle is designed to carry 100 passengers in first class seating style at prices far below those for air economy class. Moreover, the vibration and noise that travelers experience on airplanes is completely absent from maglev vehicles. Riding in a maglev vehicle will be like sitting in your living room - the only sensation of motion will be visual, as the scenery flashes by.