On the suitability of medium speed maglev transport systems: an analysis of perceptions in the transportation sector

Abstract

Background: Medium speed maglev transport systems are considered a disruptive innovation. This complicates potential access to the transport market, which is dominated by conventional, traditional transport systems. Can maglev systems compete with them? Aim: Aimed specifically at transport professionals, the survey analyses current [2023] perceptions of maglev systems for passenger and freight transport. Are medium speed maglev systems suitable for the future of transport from the perspective of transport experts? Methods: International web survey of five hundred professionals in the transport sector. The focus is on application and suitability. It is not a technical comparison of systems. Results: Medium-speed maglev systems are considered to be competitive, and in some cases superior, to established transport systems in the same speed range. However, most international experts see the suitability of maglev systems primarily for specific applications, such as passenger transport between airports and city centers, or as a freight transport system for special logistics tasks. Conclusion: An innovation of maglev systems in well-defined applications seems reasonable and promising from an expert's point of view.