What is maglev?

 
High-speed maglev is a magnetically levitated transportation system capable of traveling in excess of 240 miles per hour. Maglev vehicles “float” over an electromagnetically powered fixed steel guideway and are propelled by the current with no motors, wheels, moving parts or additional energy sources. The system is environmentally friendly, energy efficient and runs in all weather conditions.

The Federal Government passed the most recent legislation in 2004, initiating maglev deployment in the United States. United Steel Workers (USW) President Leo W. Gerard comments, “Not only will this present transportation potential to many U.S. markets, but also present an unparalleled opportunity to stimulate the domestic steel market for years to come.”

The Pennsylvania Project is one specific maglev deployment opportunity. The project is a public-private partnership whose goal is to deploy the first commercial service of maglev transportation in the United States. This particular deployment will connect Pittsburgh International Airport and Greensburg, Pennsylvania on a 54-mile track, transporting passengers from the airport to downtown in 10 minutes, total travel time 35 minutes to Greensburg, with five MagPort® stations along that expanse.

Former USW International Vice-President Andrew V. Palm and USW’s Ike Gittlen are board representatives for Maglev Inc.