Two possible routes chosen for high-speed maglev train linking Baltimore to DC.

[elleng]

'A federal review has narrowed the possible routes for a proposed high-speed, magnetic levitation train linking Baltimore and Washington down to two.

Both routes more or less track the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. A route that would have run along the heavily developed Penn Line operated by Amtrak has been dropped.

The proposal calls for using maglev technology on a 40-mile (64 km), $10 billion line where trains could reach 375 mph (603 kph), reducing the trip between the two cities to 15 minutes. Most of the route would be underground. Some communities along the proposed paths are opposed.

The Washington Post reports that project proponents hope a route can be chosen and tunneling could begin in 2020. Operations could begin in 2027.'

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-maglev-routes-20180213-story.html

[lapfog_1]

1. $10 billion to reduce the one way trip time to 15 min

what would the cost be and the trip time with a surface route using modern rail technology and faster trains (say a top speed of maybe 150mph) ?

[friendly_iconoclast]

2. Agreed- even with a new ROW, conventional rail with multiple units makes far more sense

*for the uninitiated, 'multiple unit' means that each car has its own motor or motors.*

They are used all over the world, and are pefectly suitable for a +/- 40 mile route with no
grade crossings. A plus is that equipment can be swapped with extant lines, if necessary.