Maglev - America's Fastest Train, Future Transportation?

Thanks to a $45 million dollar infusion from a recent government bill signed by President Bush in June, a magnetic, levitating train called the Maglev could be your choice of transportation between Ontario and Las Vegas in 5-10 years. In an article on MSNBC, Jasmin Aline Persch discusses the potential, capabilities, and issues associated with the Maglev.

The train would essentially levitate using electro magnets and in doing so would avoid significant infrastructure maintenance overhead since there would be no contact between the rails and the train. The train would travel at a maximum of 310 mph, an average of 180 mph, and could compete with air travel. A ticket from Anaheim to Las Vegas can cost about $150, but, according to the American Magline Group, a ticket for the same route on a Maglev would cost about $55.

All in all it seems like a great idea. Who wouldn't want to float along at 180 mph and pay 1/3 the cost to get to Vegas? although, that thing better be locked down somehow....