Nothing could better symbolize the German economy better than the Transrapid: Domestic demand and overall mood are down, but export is booming. This “new” transportation technology which could easily rival airplanes with its 500km/h for medium distance destinations is waiting since the late 80s to take off. In it’s homecountry, indecisive politics and a hesitating economy lead to a complete standstill, no maglev track beside the testing ground in the Emsland was built. The train is not compatible with the current system, building a railroad track from scratch would necessitate huge amounts of investment. On the other hand, maintenance cost and energy consumption is said to be quite lower, beside the speed gain. Environmentalists have been criticizing the project, but in comparison the maglev doesn’t look bad.
Bought by China in 2000, the Transrapid serves passengers travelling from Pu Dong airport to Shanghai, but the government thinks about extending the route to Hangzhou, which is 180km away. Also, Spiegel Online reports about plans to create maglev tracks in the United States and Great Britain and possibly in the Middle East. One of two plans to build a track in Munich is seemingly still in the air, but don’t hold your breath.
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