maglev project BWI-DC

[Phoebe Vet]

What ever became of the maglev project that was to initially serve Baltimore to DC but eventually go from Boston to Charlotte via NYC Baltimore DC Richmond etc?

It was generating great excitement in 1999 but seems to have just ground to a halt around 2003.

http://bwmaglev.com/

[daveklepper]

Its just another dumb stupid idea.   The money would do wonders to improve the existing Amtrak line, making it four tracks so commuter trains don't interfere with Acela, using new catenary to allow 165 mph operation for Acela, and building an elevated high speed approach to take Acela trains directly to their own two tracks at Union Station without slow running through the throat north of the station.   This would match maglev running time over this distance and benefit more than just Baltimore - DC passengers.  Money left over should be used to electrify the B&O line with a good connection at Baltimore to provide emergency bypass tracks as well as improve the existing commuter service on that line.