I don't think we're opposing change in technology. Change is good. But I think we're concerned about changing technology without completing unbiased study. I think that if we build a maglev line without first completing unbiased study (CA HSR did do a study and concluded on continuing with steel wheel/rail), I believe that will put SoCal in an embarrassing situation; it's just like one starting a profession without first going to school to see if the job would be right for him/her. I think the Vegas
monorail breakdown history taught us some lessons.
Steel wheel/rail technology is already here and chances are whenever there's a breakdown, train/track replacement parts can be bought at your local retailer (well, not really, but they'll be ready for order). From what I know, if certain parts of maglev or its track break down, chances are the replacement parts would have to be custom manufactured/ordered at this time.
LA-Vegas Maglev Pro's & Con's+A MagLev is way faster.
+Due to its lack of wheels, MagLevs are quieter at slower speeds.
+MagLevs use less energy than normal trains.
+In theory, a MagLev and its track would require very little maintenance; since the train never touches the track there is virtually no wear and tear.
+No wear in overhead wire.
Cons:
-Maglev trains are not compatible with existing steel tracks; therefore the entire line would have to be constructed from scratch. Steel wheel high speed trains can partially run on existing rail infrastructure/ROW's.
-Strong magnetic fields onboard the train or along the tracks could be dangerous for people, computer laptop disks and credit/debit cards.
-The high speed of some maglev trains translates to more sound due to air displacement, which gets louder as the trains go faster. Barstow and Baker residents may find this unacceptable as the high speed train passes by their communities.
-As linear motors must fit within or straddle their track over the full length of the train, track design is challenging for anything other than point-to-point services. Curves must be gentle and avoid camber, while switches are very long and need care to avoid breaks in current. Maglev needs very fast-responding control systems to maintain a stable height above the track; this needs careful design in the event of a failure in order to avoid crashing into the track during a power fluctuation. The route between LA and Vegas has several elevation changes and turns.
-During a breakdown, replacement parts may have to customed manufactured and ordered. The Mojave Desert is home to sandstorms and subtropical thunderstorms during the summer.
Source:
Wikipedia...............................
The Transit Coalition Position:
The best equipment and technology for use in public transportation is determined after unbiased research and study. We have strong concerns in starting with a technology or type of transportation vehicle and then working backwards to justify a predetermined conclusion. In all cases, other types of transportation need an adequate review, rather than comparing apples to oranges, which is done to justify the conclusions.
We believe in MagLev when used as intended, but not for short haul trips, which is planned in the Los Angeles Region. California High Speed Rail did an extensive study in using both MagLev and Steel wheels-on-steel technology for rail travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The proven Steel wheels-on-steel was selected for the project, even though MagLev had a slightly higher overall average speed.
The proposed MagLev system for the Los Angeles region is being designed with public funds. The construction and operations of the system, which is projected not to have any public subsidy for operation, is to be built and run by the private sector. The fare-box revenue is projected to pay off the revenue bonds and to cover the day-to-day operating cost. The stakeholders (the public) will guarantee the success of the system, or pay off the bonds and take the loss, with the investors not taking a risk or loss; just the profits if MagLev is successful.