Maglev test line for Atlanta? (how much, cost, trains)

[cqholt]

Streetcars are the best technology for this corridor. The lane already exist, cheaper to implement, and it allows user to look out the windows at street-level stores and they can hope of at the next stop, 1-2 blocks later, and walk back to the point that peak their curiosity. Also streetcars would seamlessly integrate with the BeltLine.

[MattCW]

The lanes already exist? Funny, when I look at Google Maps, I see all travel lanes occupied by vehicles, and see traffic backed up on just the bridge any time I commute under it.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by MattCW

The lanes already exist? Funny, when I look at Google Maps, I see all travel lanes occupied by vehicles, and see traffic backed up on just the bridge any time I commute under it.

Having you driven on it? They have dedicated lanes just for buses on 17th St, they are on the other side of the solid white line that has no cars in them and say "Bus Only".

[arjay57]

Seems to me that maglev would be perfect for hooking up Atlantic Station and the Arts Center station. It's only a mile, and probably less as the crow flies. Even if you figure it costs $50 million, that's no more than one apartment building.

And it doesn't have to go 300 mph. Even at 60 mph it would make the crossing in one minute. Now that would be nice!

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by MattCW

The lanes already exist? Funny, when I look at Google Maps, I see all travel lanes occupied by vehicles, and see traffic backed up on just the bridge any time I commute under it.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=atlan...gl=us&t=k&z=20

See all the cars with the empty lanes to the outside?

Those were engineered for Light rail/Streetcar implementation. In fact to keep the federal funding for it we have to keep bus lines on it for something like 15 years, because there is a transit mandate for part of hte federal funding for the bridge.

These lanes go all the way to Northside drive. Cars are allowed into the lanes only at intersections to make right turns.

[cqholt]

Those were engineered for Light rail/Streetcar implementation. In fact to keep the federal funding for it we have to keep bus lines on it for something like 15 years, because there is a transit mandate for part of hte federal funding for the bridge.

That's why streetcar is perfect for this corridor. The ROW already exist.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Seems to me that maglev would be perfect for hooking up Atlantic Station and the Arts Center station. It's only a mile, and probably less as the crow flies. Even if you figure it costs $50 million, that's no more than one apartment building.

And it doesn't have to go 300 mph. Even at 60 mph it would make the crossing in one minute. Now that would be nice!

I think the existing shuttle bus is far more practical. Maglev.... Heavens.... Maybe they can hitch up one of those shipping containers to a Maglev and drive it around town. Now that would be something!

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I think the existing shuttle bus is far more practical. Maglev.... Heavens.... Maybe they can hitch up one of those shipping containers to a Maglev and drive it around town. Now that would be something!

LOL!

Those are valid points, Ansley. I was just thinking that these young folks probably want to get where they are going in a hurry.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by arjay57

LOL!

Those are valid points, Ansley. I was just thinking that these young folks probably want to get where they are going in a hurry.

as long as we can eat on the maglev!

[arjay57]

You'll have to wolf it down fast, CW. They'll be telling you to exit the freight container by the time you sit down.