2006-07-07 10:19:15 · 5 answers · asked by littleorangeoctopus 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
The construction cost is extremely high.
They are only as environmentally friendly as the source of the electricity to run them is. If the electric supply is based on dirty technology (old coal based plants, for example) there is no environmental benefit.
To date, there are no self-sustaining MagLev systems in operation anywhere. The few that do exist are heavily subsidized by the government and are not yet commercially successful.
2006-07-07 10:28:26 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yea they also cost quite a few million to build and operate. Maglevs require a very very large power source. The longer teh track the more pwer is required. They are great for short city to city commutes. Say LA to San Diego. It's just too much to impliment. Are you willing to take a tax hike in order to save a few trees ? Normal electric trains do the same for the environment without the implimentation cost. OK so no $300mph but cool factor aside is it really needed.
2006-07-07 17:23:30 · answer #2 · answered by Briggs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would require a whole new rebuilding of our train system. Have you heard of the Accela train which runs in the NE U.S. ? Well it can only operate in that area with limitation because the tracks aren't made to handle higher speeds. It would be like cranking up the power on your toy train set. And with the current financial problems which Amtrak is having its not likely for an upgrade anytime soon. Hope this answers your question. :)
2006-07-07 17:29:31 · answer #3 · answered by ancient_wolf_13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cost. You couldn't sell enough tickets to pay for the land, the construction, the equipment, and the people needed to run it.
2006-07-07 17:25:26 · answer #4 · answered by Jay S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
$
2006-07-07 17:24:07 · answer #5 · answered by nobody722 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋