Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Transrapid still in the running in Colorado decision

All,

This article came to our attention a day or two ago.  Colorado is currently discussing the options of running a transportation system East - West along I-70.  It mentions Transrapid is currently in the running of being selected as its choice.  There is also a nice photo of the Transrapid operating in the snow.

http://www.eaglevalleyenterprise.com/article/20121107/NEWS/121109989/1054&ParentProfile=1001

Keep Flying On The Ground!
Ca/Nv Maglev News

Thursday, October 11, 2012

ARC project considers streetcars???

ARC and the city of Anaheim are now considering using STREETCARS???

Check out this article from the OC register that the city council is now considering using streetcars instead of monorail (or elevated people mover) due to the cost.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/anaheim-374115-city-streetcars.html

However,  why would you want to look into streetcars when a people mover or monorail can move more people in a safer environment??

http://www.anaheim.net/images/articles/4947/Chapter2.pdf

Check out these other designs for the route... would you want to compete with 2 other lanes of traffic and a light rail??

If the city of Anaheim and the ARC project want to do something right for the future then they should look at the Linimo maglev... High Speed Surface Transport... check out the photos and a video.

Look at the lowered long term costs of the Shanghai Transrapid Maglev.  99.8% on-time rate with reduced labor and maintenance costs already found in only a few years of operation.  What train line can offer that??



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BatKvWt68fk



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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Friday, October 5, 2012

ARTIC releases One Sheeters

All,

ARTICinfo.com has released the following One-sheeters.  One for the Ground Breaking Ceremony, and one on "by the numbers".

Ground breaking:
http://articinfo.com/PDF/ARTIC%20Groundbreaking%20Sep_18%202012.pdf

By the numbers:
http://articinfo.com/PDF/12F_221%20ARTIC%20by%20Numbers_FNL.pdf

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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Hitachi boarding gate can sniff explosives

All,

Check out this article from Engadget that Hitachi has created a boarding gate that can sniff explosives on passes.  This one gate can sniff 1,200 passengers an hour.  Video included in the link.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/hitachi-boarding-gate-can-sniff-explosives-on-passes/

Much thanks to Engadget.

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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Final Bids for ARTIC due TODAY at 2:00pm PST

All,

Today is the FINAL day for construction teams to submit bids for the ARTIC project!


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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Anaheim traffic issues video for Cars Land opening, Angles, and Concerts

All,
Heres a small video article from ABC LA 7 about the upcoming traffic issues in the Anaheim area for the weekend.  It shows shots of the proposed HSR/metrolink/ARC station... across from the Anaheim Angles.

There is no mention within the video about the upcoming ARTIC and ARC projects and getting people around the Anaheim area. But, you can start to realize how busy the streets Harbor (North/South) and Katella (East/West) can be when there are multiple events in the area.  And how important these connectors will become in the next few years.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=8703462&pid=8703452

allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=kabc&section=&mediaId=8703462&parentId=8703452&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site=">

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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

DX now Xpresswest

All,

With the recent announcements of DesertXpress signing a resolution with the Antelope Valley connecting a possible station with Palmdale and the CA-HSR project in an attempt of appearing to making the project with better connectivity for the amount of the loan they (DX) is asking for they have changed their name now to Xpresswest.



Some of the media outlets have also reported incorrectly how the trains will connect.  The trains will never follow the 138 freeway (East/West from lower Victorville through Littlerock to South of Palmdale and 14 Freeway).  They will have possible land set aside for the connection with the E-220 High Desert Corridor project.  The trains will run in the middle of the freeway.

Heres the link to the E-220 expressing support for the Xpresswest (DX) project.
http://www.xpresswest.com/pdf/05-13-10_Resolution.pdf


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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Friday, June 8, 2012

Desert Express News Update

All,
It appears that the DX project has been trying to quietly move away from the negative publicity of the costs and ending location of its project with the article from todays Las Vegas Sun stating that the DX team has signed documents with the new incoming MTA Chairman Antonovich linking the Las Vegas to Victorville and now trying to include Palmdale with connecting to the CA-HSR station.

http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2012/jun/07/desertxpress-inks-deal-add-train-link-victorville-/


If you remember, Michael Antonovich (http://antonovich.com/ )is the current Vice-Chairman for the proposed East/West 220 "high desert corridor" freeway (possible toll) linking Palmdale to Victorville.  And also is the LA County Supervisor. 

(There are 2 highway routes running East/West from Antelope Valley.)

*Pearblossom Highway 138 known as "blood alley" where trucks and cars trying to reach Interstate 15 either North or South can do so by a 2 lane road that runs for about 22 miles.
*Highway 58 just to the North of Edwards Air Force Base again running East/West and parts of the freeway go from full freeway to 2 lane road on the outskirts of Barstow. 


We have been talking about this proposed project since early 2010.  Heres a link to the article with the a photo of the proposed route.

E220 is a new proposed "high desert corridor" freeway starting around 50th Street East and Avenue P (Past the proposed Palmdale airport from 1977).  

This video from February 5th 2012 has all the information you need about the project.



Keep Flying On The Ground!
Ca/Nv Maglev News

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Dear Readers:

Dear Readers:
As you may have noticed that there hasn't been a lot of new lately on the Maglev front.  We estimate that we won't see (unless something dramatic happens) any new updates on some of the projects until after the U.S. presidential elections later this year.  But, here are some bullet points on what is currently going on.


  • ARTIC
City of Anaheim and ARTIC have officially released to the public that they are seeking bids for the project.  On June 12, the City will hold a pre-bid conference in Anaheim.  Possible ground breaking 2012/13. You can find out more information here:
http://www.articinfo.com/PDF/ARTIC_Project_Bid_Update_5-23-12.pdf


  • ARC
Connecting ARTIC to the Anaheim Resort Area (Disneyland and Convention Center).  Project is moving along with a pre-submital meeting took place in June.  You can find the slides from the presentation here:
http://www.anaheim.net/images/articles/4454/ARC_Pre_Submittal_Conference_PPT.pdf
  • CA-HSR
While this doesn't have any effect on the Maglev project High Speed rail will now continue all the way to Anaheim and the ARTIC station.  There was a brief possibility that the CA-HSR would stop at Union Station.  Project is still planning where the initial project will start.


  • DesertXpress
The DX project in late May had some negative publicity about the project, and its costs and the Federal Loan that the project is asking for.  The project is stalled waiting for its loan to be approved.  You can find the last posted news article about the project here:
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-05-18/vegas-train-loan-shouldn-t-be-solyndra-victim-chief-says


  • CA/NV Maglev
No new updates from the Maglev camp as they are waiting as well for monies to complete its environmental and construction reports.  As these monies were pulled from the project as Sen. Reid changed camps to DX as he was a long time supporter of the project.

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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Magnetbahn forums! Maglev Information


All,

Do you need to find EVERYTHING about MAGLEV (from high speed to low speed systems) you will want to check out Magnetbahnforums.

MAGLEV TR09 Posters.  
If you ever wanted a piece of MAGLEV history the Henschel-Museum in Germany is selling Posters of the TR09...breakaway views... Shanghai...etc.  Prices are in Euros... and dont include shipping.  (Please pardon the quality of the photos... they want to sell posters)



Transrapid within its site still has its Screensaver for Shanghai still available for download.  You can find the directions from the Magnetbahn forums in both GERMAN and ENGLISH (scroll down).  Unfortunately this is only available for PC, NO MAC download is available.  

Keep Flying On The Ground! 
Ca/Nv Maglev News


Keep Flying On The Ground! Ca/Nv Maglev News

Monday, May 7, 2012

ARTIC posts Site-walk info sheets

All,


Over the weekend ARTIC posted the pdf's that were presented from the site-walk.


You can find the slides here....
http://www.articinfo.com/PDF/ARTIC_prebid_workshop.pdf

They also announced the following upcoming dates...


Theres lots of information on overhead floor separations, and some overhead photos and contractor requirements...

Keep Flying On The Ground!
Ca/Nv Maglev News

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ARTIC Job Site walk tomorrow May 2. (reminder)

All,
Just a quick reminder to those that are following the ARTIC (Anaheim station) project.  We are getting close to a contractor announcement and ground breaking.

Tomorrow (May 2) at 15:00 there will be a tour of the ARTIC job site for contractors/sub-contractors, and a networking opportunity afterwards.


Individuals wishing to participate in the site walk must bring/wear personal protective equipment including: 1) hard hat, 2) safety vest, 3) eye protection and 4) steel-toed shoes. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.


You can download the informational pdf. file with map and directions (here).

http://www.articinfo.com/PDF/ARTIC%20Project%20Update_%20April%202012-%20Pre-Bid%20Workshop.pdf



Keep Flying On The Ground!
Ca/Nv Maglev News

Nv. Congress Candidate Questions DX project.

All,
This is a post from the Facebook page of California/Nevada Maglev Team.


There was an interview for Dina Titus (Candidate for Nevada Congressional District 1....(which covers all of the Clark County area) Nevada Newsmakers (a political Q&A type show).


Candidate Titus, was asked the question about her view about Sen. Reid and the DX project and the Richard Velotta article in Vegas Inc. 


http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2012/mar/26/dear-desertxpress-developers-has-your-project-gone/


Candidate Titus said that she was on the Ca/Nv Super Speed Train Commission for years, and even questioned the DX project against Reid, asking why only go half the way when you can go all the way to LA reaching more riders "one way to the other end and not stopping in the middle."   


She was also questioned about the $45 million that was earmarked for MAGLEV taken away by Sen Reid for the airport expansion.  


You can watch the video around the 13:00 mark.



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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Saturday, March 17, 2012

DEAR READERS


DEAR READERS,


First we would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us over the years.  It has been a very educational experience sharing our insight and news that is currently taking place in the MAGLEV industry.  It is a exciting market, that has its future on track!


Second, as we attempt to provide a single location for readers to locate news specifically about MAGLEV projects (specifically Transrapid.)   There are events that are taking place within the internet and are suggesting to us that we should be selective from providing even something as basic as a URL link and a quote of the author to the news article.  


Third, we have always believed in quoting ANY source, author, URL link, etc.. as it is only fair to the person who has spent the time and efforts in researching and editing ones work.



Fourth, unfortunately we have been hit by spam bots and it is slowing down the effectiveness of the website. Because of this you will see less photos and more text stories.  We are working on something exciting in the future that we will roll out that will bring back more of these photos.
  • We will only post news links from the main page.
  • In the pages section you will find information pertaining to each section. 

Fifth, we have a decision to make.  To continue the news stories re-linking, at the same time providing original content (when available) to you the reader.  Or, we abandon the past 3 years of specific news stories that would take someone years in searches to find the article. 




We will attempt to keep this website available as long as possible.  As projects fluctuate with GO/NO GO status we will update as soon as possible.


Please be patient with us as we continue to support and provide what information we can.  So, for the next few weeks the information may not be the most current.


Again, thank you for your support.


Keep Flying On The Ground! 
Ca/Nv Maglev News

Friday, February 24, 2012

City of Anaheim Press Release "Next Steps ARTIC groundbreaking"


The City of Anaheim has posted the following Press Release update regarding the ARTIC project...While no actual date has been set... (ground breaking was to be this spring)  It has been pushed back to the fall of this year.
[...]

ANAHEIM, CA - (February 23, 2012) - Momentum continues to build for the Anaheim Regional Transportation 
Intermodal Center – ARTIC – as the iconic transportation center project moves forward with plans for a 
groundbreaking this fall and grand opening in the fall of 2014. Upon completion ARTIC is projected to serve more 
than 10,000 commuters each day, and will increase mobility options for residents, business travelers and visitors to 
Anaheim, Orange County and the entire southern California region.


Another milestone in this grand project is the federal environmental approval recently garnered by the 
City of Anaheim and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for ARTIC. On Feb. 21, ARTIC 
received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for its Environmental Assessment from the Federal 
Transportation Authority (FTA), thus completing both state and federal environmental approvals for this project.


“By gaining final environmental approvals from both the federal and state government, ARTIC has cleared two 
significant hurdles that move the project much closer to groundbreaking,” said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait. 
“The City of Anaheim is working closely with OCTA on the planning and construction of this state-of-the-art facility. 
ARTIC will make travel in Southern California easier and we all look forward to the completion of this project.”


Project documents are moving toward completion with the preparation of construction plans, permit review 
processes, and anticipated design completion in late spring. The next major ARTIC project milestone is project 
bidding, which is also on target for late spring and will be preceded by a pre-bid conference. Upon selection of a general contractor, 
construction is anticipated to start this fall.


[...]


Heres the link...
http://www.anaheim.net/administration/PIO/news.asp?id=1422


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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Nevada Rail Plan (meetings this week) in VEGAS!

{UPDATED}  From the CNIMP (Maglev Team) FB page....


"WILL THE STATE OF NEVADA LISTEN TO ITS COMMUNITY?
The Nevada State Rail draft plan will be made available on the website by NDOT on Feb 13, after the Public Meeting. Everyone should review this draft and submit additional comments based on this document.

There were over 15 pages of comments received so far regarding input on the passenger rail projects. 100% of all related comments were strongly IN FAVOR of having a Maglev system to Anaheim, and 100% were strongly AGAINST having the DesertXpress system to Victorville."


<><><><>

All,
If you can make to Vegas on (THIS MONDAY FEB. 13) the Nevada State Rail Plan has a public meeting from 15:30 to 18:30.  With a public question and statement period.  


We encourage everyone who can to go and support their voices for MAGLEV!


Heres the details and the website link.
Public Meeting – Las Vegas ( Feb. 13 )
Monday, February 13
3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Desert Breeze Community Center
8275 Spring Mountain Rd.
Las Vegas





http://nvrailplan.com/meetings-agendasminutes/


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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Sunday, February 5, 2012

NEW E220 Freeway Video


All,
We've come across this video (7:00min long) showcasing everything you need to know about the forecasted East/West 220 freeway running from Victorville to Palmdale.



Keep Flying On The Ground!
Ca/Nv Maglev News

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Tenerife Transrapid Website


All,


We would encourage all of you to head over to the Tenerife (Spain) Transrapid website.  



About the meaning and purpose of this page
This website is created and funded by residents of the island of Tenerife, supporting the idea that instead of building an expensive and environmentally destructive railway A Transrapid connection. We are not a club or association, regardless of politics and industry, and represent only the freedom of free citizens. The site is still under construction and will also appear in Spanish, a comment function is planned.
Progress must be an end in itself, but he can not be rejected for ideological reasons, a flat rate, as it has become in many circles of fashion. The progress has to get his chance where it makes sense really, and this is the Transrapid our opinion, for the island of Tenerife. The traffic situation with one of the highest car densities in the world (~ 800 cars per 1,000 inhabitants) is unacceptable and cries for a solution, and is certainly not on a massive land use by a monstrous rail project with 40 km (!) Tunnels in volcanic rock, which, according testimony of construction experts would be almost impossible to finance anyway.
May the reason prevail this time!




You can visit here:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.transrapidtenerife.com%2F


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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

MAGLEV MOVIE MONDAY (TUESDAY)


Heres a new but older video of the Transrapid 08.  Even has some editing of Transrapid track for the proposed Munich line.


Here is another newer but older video of the Transrapid 07.  Has some really good video quality!  Unfortunately it is all in German.



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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Last Transrapid test ride in Lathen


All,
Yes it is true.  The test track for Transrapid has been shut down in Lathen Germany.  The last rides that went out were on November 28 for a "Spanish delegation" (the Tenerife project in Spain).


However, there are some great stats about the test track.
* Test Track opened in 1987
* 800,000 kilometers traveled = (497,097 miles) 
* The equator circumference of the Earth is 24,902 miles or 20 trips around the earth
* 170 mph on a 19.7 mile track = on average 21,613 miles tested each year
* 450 mph was achieved on June 10 1993
* Half a million visitors took tours in Lathen Germany where only 5,882 people live


* It will cost Germany $40M Euros to convert the test track to test non-contact charging for electric vehicles.


The closing of Lathen does not yet mean an end for Transrapid.


Other projects are still in planning stages:
* Tenerife Spain project is still a go, waiting for final green light.
* Swiss Rapide is in planning stages
* UK Ultraspeed is in planning stages
* CA/NV project is still a go, waiting for funds to approve final environmental
* Pittsburgh project has filled for re-structuring
* Atlanta to Chattanooga is in planning stages
* Baltimore/DC project ???


http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fweser-ems.business-on.de%2Ftransrapid-versuchsanlage-bund-elektromobilitaet-lathen-arbeitsplatzabbau-_id22565.html


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transrapid


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Ca/Nv Maglev News

Antonovich suggests Amtrak speed upgrade instead of HSR

All,
There is a lot of discussion about the costs with the HSR for CA now, that the proposed costs have tripled.

Supervisor Antonovich (Antelope Valley/San Fernando/Alhambra/Burbank areas), has suggested instead of building a HSR route from Lancaster to San Diego that an upgrade of Metrolink and Amtrak rails to 110 mph should be considered due to costs.

(Though it would be very hard to sell a faster train to have passengers get off of one train to connect to faster HSR train.  The HSR then does not become a true HSR with speeds not even reaching 150).

We couldnt find the official release from Supervisors Antonovich's website but, heres the article from Santa Clarita Valley News.

http://scvnews.com/?p=24635

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Ca/Nv Maglev News

CA HSR route approved for Palmdale, DX connection, E220


All,
Lots of HSR talk this week including this.  After reports last summer that the Antelope Valley (Lancaster/Palmdale) route vs. Grapevine/Gorman route would be too expensive for the CA HSR a new report has been released this week.  The report estimates that now the Antelope Valley route is now actually the better choice with a longer route (3 to 5 mins), less maintenance costs, and a possible $50M in ridership revenue.  


There is still talk about the master plan of connecting HSR to the DX with a expansion route from Palmdale to Victorville (DX station), primarily following the West/East (still in proposed planning stages) E-220 freeway.  (readers, dont forget that there are no proposed government submissions to bring the DX to Palmdale and the CA HSR).  As the article states "proposed connection."


http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/transportation/avoid-the-grapevine-high-speed-rail-authority-staff-recommends.html

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bullet-train-20120110,0,2183342.story




Keep Flying On The Ground! 
Ca/Nv Maglev News