On the Suitability of Medium Speed Maglev Transport Systems: An Analysis of Perceptions in the Transportation Sector

This study investigates the perceived suitability and competitiveness of medium-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) systems for urban, regional, passenger, and freight transport. A web-based survey was conducted in summer 2022 among subscribers to the International Maglev Board's newsletter. The bilingual questionnaire, distributed in German and English, was accessed by 364 people, of whom 273 completed the technical questions. Respondents evaluated medium-speed maglev systems in comparison with metros, regional railways, trams, and buses using criteria including cityscape impact, noise emissions, ride smoothness, transport capacity, energy demand, particulate-matter emissions, investment costs, and operating costs. The results indicate that 52.4% of respondents consider medium-speed maglev suitable for both passenger and freight transport, while 22.3% identify passenger transport as the primary field of application. The most promising passenger application is an airport-city link, followed by airport terminal shuttles and urban or regional services. In freight transport, respondents see particular potential in container transport between regional logistics centres and within transport hubs. Compared with conventional systems, medium-speed maglev is perceived as particularly advantageous in terms of ride smoothness, energy demand, particulate-matter emissions, noise, and operating costs. However, its advantages are less pronounced with regard to transport capacity and investment costs. Overall, the findings suggest considerable potential for medium-speed maglev systems, especially in specialized applications such as airport connections and selected logistics operations, rather than as a universal replacement for established public transport modes.