There is an ongoing discussion about a Transrapid (German Maglev train) connection in Munich, connecting the Bavarian capital to Munich International Airport. Residents and politicians fight the project for whatever reasons they can find.
Maglev train technology was patented in Germany in 1941 and a test facility was constructed in 1987, however, as of 2007, no German commercial implementation exists. The Transrapid is a great concept that could one day replace conventional train systems but politicians and residents refuse to accept any plans to build a track. China was able to build a commercial track in 2 years (2000 – 2002) and it went into operation in 2004. Germany has had the technology for decades yet we are unable to build a regular track. I think it is a shame that a real technology of the future is hampered by petty considerations.
February 25, 2007 at 1:41 am
Transrapid maglev line for Germany (new to me) indeed sounds like a “great / real technlogy of the future”. But the state has to balance the glory & utility against the cost. Private money paying 90% might make it possible?
But Transrapid would have to be proof against subversive bombs. Is this a major cause for pause? Cleanse hatred from planet Earth and the maglev planet-wide network may come. 100 years? 200? We must keep working at it. Cy Quick at mydigest.wordpress.com