Maglev Systems for Urban and Regional Transport?

Abstract

This international study examines how the transport sector assesses the suitability and competitiveness of urban and regional maglev systems for passenger and freight applications. As a potentially disruptive transport innovation, urban maglev must demonstrate relevant advantages over established systems if it is to gain wider market acceptance. Based on a web-based international survey with 273 respondents, the study compares urban maglev with metros, commuter and regional rail, trams, and buses across eight criteria, including noise emissions, ride smoothness, transport capacity, energy demand, particulate matter emissions, investment costs, operating costs, and impact on the urban landscape. The results indicate an overall favorable assessment of urban maglev. Respondents perceive particularly strong advantages in noise emissions, ride smoothness, particulate matter emissions, and operating costs, as well as smaller advantages in energy demand. By contrast, no clear advantage is identified in transport capacity, while investment costs are rated less favorably than those of trams and buses. Airport links emerge as the most strongly favored passenger application, while respondents also identify substantial potential for regional and urban transport and for container transport between logistics hubs. Overall, the findings suggest that the transport sector perceives urban maglev as a potentially competitive alternative to established public transport technologies, although its market prospects depend on specific applications, evaluation criteria, and their relative weighting.