Maryland wins $27.8 million grant to advance DC-Baltimore high speed Maglev train

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced Saturday that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the state $27.8 million to advance private sector efforts toward the construction of a high-speed Maglev train system between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The award bumps Maryland to the forefront of high-speed rail innovation in the United States. With operating speeds of over 300 M.P.H., the 15-minute trip between the two cities would surpass the speeds planned for any of the high-sped rail routes previously developed by the Obama administration.

If constructed, the route would have dramatic economic development benefits, most especially for Baltimore City. Currently floundering with vast sections of vacant, abandoned properties, the City could become an appealing bedroom community for those working in the DC area who need affordable housing. Unlike light rail plans moving forward or canceled under Hogan, Maglev is competitive with auto transportation. The Maglev could reach downtown Baltimore in one-fourth the time it would take to drive there on congested I-95. Unlike light rail or BRT poking along, Maglev could actually free up highway capacity on I-95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

The grant was lauded by Gov. Hogan and other officials yesterday.

“The ability to travel between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. in only 15 minutes will be absolutely transformative, not just for these two cities, but for our entire state,” Governor Larry Hogan said in a statement. “This grant will go a long way in helping us determine our next steps in this transportation and economic development opportunity.”

“Maryland will be on the leading edge of technology as the only state in the nation with the private-sector-led pursuit of SCMaglev,” Maryland Secretary of Transportation Pete Rahn said.

Even the Japanese ambassador weighed in on the state's win.

“We are very pleased to see this funding announced,” said Japanese Ambassador Kenichirō Sasae. “Working with the United States Government, the State of Maryland and Baltimore-Washington Rapid Rail, we will prove that this cutting-edge Japanese technology will be a great asset to the busy Northeast Corridor.”

Such a route could ultimately extend from Washington to Boston, in line with plans already laid out by Amtrak.

Maryland's effort is being led by a private firm, Baltimore-Washington Rapid Rail.

That firm will use the funds to begin planning and engineering analysis for the rail line, and to review what permits would be needed for construction.

AMTRAK ACELA

IS THE

SMARTER CHOICE

BETWEEN DC & NYC

Yesterday's USA Today Money section had a front page article that again demonstrated the advantages of train travel from Washington, D.C. to New York City.

High-speed rail is the long term solution to air traffic congestion around New York. But we have a good alternative for now with Amtrak's Acela, a high-speed train slowed by a track configuration not designed for the larger curve radii high-speed trains need.

New York's airports are near the bottom in on-time performance.

Meanwhile, Acela averages 84% on-time performance according to a December 2011 report by the United Rail Passenger Alliance. Compare that to Liberty Airport, with a 66% on-time arrival rate.

While the article describes air delays in terms of hours, Acela travels from DC to New York in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Beyond that, while both have obstacles to reaching perfect performance, consider that planes idling on tarmacs are burning exhaust. Even during its worst delay, the Acela is powered by electricity, with a far lower environmental impact.

Even today, rail travel to New York beats air travel hands down.