Transrapid fahrt weiter in Shanghai

As a pleasant surprise for those who love high speed trains, the Chinese have decided to enlarge the Transrapid track at Shanghai. The Maglev was a big success in numbers of people transported, reaching to over a million passengers within only a few years of operation, but lacking to raise profit for the investors. This drawback isn’t of technical origin but results from the short range of the current track. This will be improved by the enlargement of the trajectory: see this article. (source: Welt, sept. 2008)

Transrapid Attempt at Munich Stopped

Though the German government, the Bavarian region, Munich city and the German Railway company were very close to an agreement the Transrapid proposal for a first trajectory between Munich center and the airport has been called off.
Breaking point in the negotiations between parties seems to have been the risk taking in case the project would fail. Because some parties involved wouldn’t accept responsibility for the consequences, the price to realize the project went sky-high.

Part of the high price was not inherent to Maglev, but was caused by the necessity of constructing a long tunnel to reach the center of Munich. Because of this unfortunate outcome, the Transrapid International Group has been split up. Nevertheless Siemens states it is still strongly committed to the cause of making the Transrapid a success, in Europe and all around the world.

For recent announcements please read the messages on the website of Transrapid.

It is currently insecure whether the testing track at Lathen remains open to the public. When it opens up again we strongly recommend you to ride the newest TR number 9 Maglev train. This is the same type of train as the one operating in China. This trip is an special experience you won’t lightly forget! One accelerates to a very high speed (over 400 km/hr) barely noticing any acceleration.

When you go, please don’t forget to make trip reservations beforehand, since the touristic rides are very popular and Maglev rides can be fully booked weeks ahead.
Preferably take a seat facing in the direction of the ride for more convenience during the ride. Some people don’t like the effect of a steady acceleration pushing in their back. Something like a hand pushing you in the back.