Shanghai took the first leap towards the future of ground transport by constructing the world’s first magnetic levitation (Maglev) train. Reaching speeds of up to 430 kilometers per hour (260 mph), the Maglev is the world’s fastest form of public ground transport. The futuristic train rushes commuters between the airport and downtown Shanghai. The 20-mile trip takes less than 8 minutes. Magnetic levitation transport has several benefits in addition to speed. The lack of wheels or onboard engines make the trip quiet, energy efficient, and pollution-free. Highlights:
* 8 million passengers had traveled on Transrapid in Shanghai by October, 2006
* Magnets lift the train 10 millimeters above the track
* China is planning a 125-mile line between Shanghai and Hangzhou
* Germany’s first maglev train to the Munich Airport is expected to start service in 2010
* Several Maglev routes have been proposed and are being studied for the USA