Low-Speed Urban Maglev Research Program – Lessons Learnt
Posted in Research by Kate Archdeacon on July 1st, 2009
Source: Going Solar Transport Newsletter
Image: withvengeance86 via Flickr
In 1999, the US Federal Transit Administration initiated the Low-Speed Urban Magnetic Levitation (UML) Program to develop magnetic levitation technology that offers a cost effective, reliable, and environmentally sound transit option for urban mass transportation in the United States.
Maglev is an innovative approach for transportation in which trains are supported by magnetic forces without any wheels contacting the rail surfaces. Maglev promises several attractive benefits including the ability to operate in challenging terrain with steep grades, tight turns, all weather operation, low maintenance, rapid acceleration, quiet operation, and superior ride quality, among others. For urban alignments, maglev potentially could eliminate the need for tunnels and noise abatement, resulting in significant cost savings.
The UML program is nearing completion and government program executives and managers desire a program review with an emphasis on lessons learned. The assessments are drawn from project documentation, discussions with the performing teams, and direct experience with the five UML projects
US Department of Transportation (March 2009)
Source: Going Solar Transport Newsletter