THE MAGLEV SYSTEM FOR LONG-DISTANCE SERVICES

The first trials with a Maglev system for long-distance travel are in progress at the Transrapid proving facility in Emsland. These will provide important information on the system's properties and will show what R&D work remains to be done before the Transrapid is ready for service. It is already clear, for example, that further work is needed on the track and switch design and on the suspension and guidance systems. The outlook for the Maglev system in the Federal Republic, Europe and overseas is assessed on the basis of present data and forthcoming developments. On the one hand, the operating and technical characteristics have to be compared with those of other high-speed systems, while on the other hand the demands of the transport market have to be examined. It is observed in conclusion that the problems of introducing a new technology represent a challenge to national and international transport policies, and require consideration to be given to the integration of the transport systems and a meaningful division of function between them.