Over in China there’s a shiny new prototype train that could theoretically hit speeds of 600kph (370mph) thanks to maglev technology.
To put that in context, hopping on one of these beasts will speed you from Liverpool to Manchester in about seven minutes. Not bad, eh?
It works through magnetic levitation (maglev for short) which uses strong electromagnets to lift and propel the train on a cushion of air. The effect is twofold: less friction for faster speeds and less noise and vibration for travelling passengers.
In fact, China already has a maglev train running on a 30km stretch between Shanghai’s Pudong airport and the city centre. But that can only hit a paltry 431kph.
Ding Sansan, deputy chief engineer with developer the CRRC Sifang Corporation, which built this prototype made the assertion that travelling by maglev is actually faster than travelling by plane.
‘It takes about four-and-a-half hours by plane including preparation time for the journey; about five-and-a-half hours by high-speed rail, and [would] only [take] about three-and-a-half hours by maglev,’ he told the South China Morning Post.
According to local reports, the prototype new train is set to begin testing next year. Theoretically, the trains could enter mass production by 2021.
Despite the fact we’re still struggling to get HS2 off the ground here in the UK, there’s still the possibility of embracing maglev technology.
Direct City Networks (DCN) is developing a plan for ‘the world’s fastest underground system’ that could run from Liverpool to Hull. The trains, a DCN300+, would be the fastest train operating in Europe. Other popular Northern powerhouse cities, like Hull, could be in the loop with a travel time of 29 minutes.
Transport for the North (TfN), the Government grouping looking at how to upgrade the rail connections, have received a proposal about the train.
A TfN spokesperson previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘TfN have been provided with information by Direct City Networks (DCN) PLC regarding a proposal to initially link Manchester and Leeds with a high speed ‘MagLev’ connection, with the possibility of this being extended to Liverpool and Hull.
‘We have responded to DCN highlighting several areas where we think substantive additional development work would be needed before any proposal could be given more detailed consideration.
‘Our current priorities include the preparation of a long-term Strategic Transport Plan for the North and development of the Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals, which will identify plans for infrastructure needed to transform the region’s economy by offering fast, frequent and reliable transport around the North for both passengers and freight.’
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