With technology always improving, better modes of transportation will continue to revolutionize the way humans travel. From the rumored return of supersonic jets to bullet trains, it’s pretty hard to imagine anything faster. Yet a new maglev train, known as the Northeast Maglev, proposes a travel time from NYC to Washington D.C. in just one hour.
Additional maglev trains for the Northeastern Corridor have been proposed like the Greater Northeastern Corridor route. This fantasy train route would connect cities like New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Detroit, Toronto, Montreal and Boston. And though the likelihood of it ever being built is slim, let’s take a further look into a route that’s progress is actually underway!
What is the Northeast Maglev?
The Northeast Maglev is a proposed train project that would connect cities at an incredible speed in America’s Northeast Corridor. The train would use Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV), which is a magnetic levitation transportation system that uses magnetic attractions and repulsions between the track and cars.
How fast would the Northeast Maglev be?
The Northeast Maglev would travel at a speed of 311 mph. The word maglev itself is a blend between “magnetic” and “levitation.” This advanced technology is what would allow the train to travel faster than 300 mph. The first commercially operational maglev train opened in Birmingham, England in 1984.
Where would the Northeast Maglev travel to?
The Northeast Maglev would travel between cities including New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, with a possible extension to Boston. The end goal is to get the train from NYC to D.C. in one hour.
How safe would the Northeast Maglev be?
Since the train would have its own guideway there would be no risk of collision with other modes of transportation. Derailment wouldn’t be possible due to the guideways U-shaped design.
What would be the benefits of the Northeast Maglev?
Beyond safety, it would boost the economy by creating 205,000 jobs and improving access to business and education across the Northeast Corridor. Moreover, it would decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve fuel, and constrain noise pollution.
When would the Northeast Maglev be completed?
The environmental impact study of phase 1 of the project which would connect Washington D.C. and Baltimore with a station at BWI Airport aims to be completed by 2025.
Find out more about the project on their website here.