Maglev Is A Hard Sale In California

With a successful maglev train operating in Shanghai, a California developer is looking to get his own nation and state excited about the new technology. But the high costs are a major deterrent. Also blocking the path is a general disinterest from the Bush Administration. Though plans are underway for maglev lines in Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., California remains reluctant.

"With Shanghai to point to, developer Sandor "Sandy" Shapery was ready to move ahead. He launched a nonprofit dedicated to promoting construction of a maglev system in his home state. He's not alone. Including his project, there are five different maglev proposals being considered by government agencies in Southern California. Shapery's goal now is to see those proposals transformed from competing ventures to an integrated plan."

"Key to that plan is using maglev to move freight as well as people. While construction costs are daunting, operating costs are predicted to be about half the cost of traditional rail, making it far cheaper in the long run, Shapery says. Because of that, the private sector has shown considerable interest in coming on board. Shapery contends that the project he's promoting, which would link five southern California airports, could be constructed entirely with private-sector funds."