Maglev is ready. Are we? (trains that use a magnetic levitation system) (High Speed Ground Transportation) From: Railway Age | Date: July 1, 1994| Author: Vantuono, William C. | COPYRIGHT 1994 Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Critics claim that maglev technology is impractical and too expensive. Proponents say its benefits justify its expense. Germany seems ready to put it to the revenue test.

France's TGV routinely rolls down ribbons of rail at almost 190 mph, and has been tested at 312 mph. Germany's ICE operates at better than 155 mph, has been tested at 252 mph, and also relies on existing infrastructure for much of its service network. Tilting trains such as Sweden's X2000, Italy's Pendo...