APPLICABILITY OF CHSST MAGLEV TECHNOLOGY FOR U.S. URBAN TRANSPORTATION

This report discusses the Chubu HSST Maglev technology applicability to U.S. urban transportation. This low speed system based on the principle of electromagnetic levitation by attractive suspension and propulsion by vehicle mounted linear induction motors is being deployed in Japan. This report was prepared based on the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) team findings and experiences with the system during a recent visit to Japan that observed the progress of the system deployment. The report discusses the performance characteristics of the CHSST vehicle and compares them with the FTA goals. For wider applicability of the CHSST in the U.S., the report describes a higher speed vehicle design under consideration in Japan. U.S. mandatory requirements on the vehicle for use in the United States are also discussed. A CHSST Maglev comparison with conventional Light Rail for urban transportation is presented. The report identifies two types of example corridors in the U.S. where there may be potential for application of the CHSST Maglev technology.