Maglev Train as Tourist Attraction?
Apr 4th, 2002 | 08:19 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Maglev Train as Tourist Attraction?
The federal government is going to grant several billion dollars to the "winning" area (either Pittsburgh or Baltimore/Washington) to built a test project for a magnetic levitation train. The B-W route would connect Baltimore to Washington (with just one stop, at BWI), reach speeds of up to 240 mph, and charge $25 each way. They are claiming that up to 35,000 people a day would ride the train, and that a great many of them would be tourists. (Certainly, at that price -- $1,000 per month -- it would be prohibitively expensive for commuters). As a resident of the region, concerned with how tax dollars are spent, I am curious to hear how many travelers would actually be interested in a ride like this.
Apr 4th, 2002 | 02:47 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
I would ride it, *ONCE*.
After that, I'd continue to take MARC or the B30 bus from BWI to Greenbelt. But I think all the folks who take the shuttle buses ($16?) from BWI to DC would be likely candidates for this train.
It seems expensive, but making some investments into rail travel is important, and I'm sure that as volume picks up, the price will come down. More importantly, better rail service might come to more regions throughout the US. (no x in my e-ddress)
After that, I'd continue to take MARC or the B30 bus from BWI to Greenbelt. But I think all the folks who take the shuttle buses ($16?) from BWI to DC would be likely candidates for this train.
It seems expensive, but making some investments into rail travel is important, and I'm sure that as volume picks up, the price will come down. More importantly, better rail service might come to more regions throughout the US. (no x in my e-ddress)
Apr 12th, 2002 | 06:21 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
I just looked info about this at
http://www.bwmaglev.com/ and found that it's proposed to be completed by 2010, or later. Will have stations at Baltimore Penn Sta (downtown), BWI (either at existing Amtrak/MARC station, or at north end of Airport), and Union Station, DC.
I think the BWI location would be best utilized if riders can board right at the airport, rather than that shuttle to the rail station.
While this has not been a "burning" topic here at Fodors, here's some additional info:
Communication and discussion with the public includes a web site, public meetings, meetings on request, and newsletters. The web site can be reached at www.mtamaryland.com with a hot link on the Maglev project. Special meetings with groups and organizations can be arranged by contacting Mr. Suhair Alkhatib, Project Manager for the Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 at 410-767-3751 or by email at [email protected].
You may also contact Rick Rybeck, Deputy Administrator for the Washington, D.C. Department of Public Works Office of Intermodal Planning at 2000 14th Street, N.W., 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20009.
http://www.bwmaglev.com/ and found that it's proposed to be completed by 2010, or later. Will have stations at Baltimore Penn Sta (downtown), BWI (either at existing Amtrak/MARC station, or at north end of Airport), and Union Station, DC.
I think the BWI location would be best utilized if riders can board right at the airport, rather than that shuttle to the rail station.
While this has not been a "burning" topic here at Fodors, here's some additional info:
Communication and discussion with the public includes a web site, public meetings, meetings on request, and newsletters. The web site can be reached at www.mtamaryland.com with a hot link on the Maglev project. Special meetings with groups and organizations can be arranged by contacting Mr. Suhair Alkhatib, Project Manager for the Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 at 410-767-3751 or by email at [email protected].
You may also contact Rick Rybeck, Deputy Administrator for the Washington, D.C. Department of Public Works Office of Intermodal Planning at 2000 14th Street, N.W., 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20009.
Apr 12th, 2002 | 06:26 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Japanese had the foresight to improve some of their train tracks and modify them to run the bullet train some years ago (like 35-40 years ago). Their one-way one-time prices are quite high, but the commuters who get a monthly pass have a large discount. Can't argue with their success and what it has done to help them move people quickly and inexpensively. Why not go for it in some of our crowded corridors?
