Rail Race: Maglev or HSR, What is the Future?

ENR: Engineering News Record, July 21, 2009
by William J. Angelo, John T. Harding and Andy Kunz

If we can continually bail out failing airlines and fund airport development, why not invest in a first rate railroad infrastructure that would compliment and enhance our Federal highway system? Many issues remain unresolved such as how fast is fast and should the line be publicly or privately owned? Should we go with ‘proven’ technology or make a quantum leap? And just why is there a high-speed rail gap between the U.S. and the rest of the developed world?

Two opposing Viewpoints, one supporting Maglev development by John Harding, a member of the International Maglev Board, and the other by Andy Kunz, president, US High Speed Rail Association in favor of ‘conventional’ high-speed rail. Readers are encouraged to read both articles then add their own voices to this debate. Steel wheels or maglev – you decide. (see article)