About the Baltimore-Washington SCMaglev
A new form of high speed transportation is being considered between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. This system is called an SCMaglev (super-conducting magnetic levitation) train. There are currently two proposed route alternatives for the train and both go through Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties.
The SCMaglev is a high speed train that travels at speeds greater than 300 mph using magnets. The Baltimore-Washington SCMaglev would run between Washington, DC and Baltimore with one interim stop at BWI Airport. Project developers say the trip would take 15 minutes.
The technology was developed by the Japanese, who opened a test track in 1997. The first commercial-scale SCMaglev train is under construction in Japan and is not expected to begin operations until 2027.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) a $27.8 million dollar grant to prepare an Environmental Impact Study for this project. MDOT is currently evaluating the potential impacts of constructing and operating a SCMaglev system between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. That process began in November 2016 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision are expected in late winter 2019, according to MDOT.
The Bank of Japan has already committed $5 billion dollars of the $10 billion needed to fund construction. Baltimore-Washington Rapid Raid (BWRR) is the American company serving as the project developer. The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is the Japanese company that owns the SCMaglev technology. The Northeast Maglev (TNEM) is also working closely with JR Central and BWRR to make this project a reality.
The SCMaglev is a high speed train that travels at speeds greater than 300 mph using magnets. The Baltimore-Washington SCMaglev would run between Washington, DC and Baltimore with one interim stop at BWI Airport. Project developers say the trip would take 15 minutes.
The technology was developed by the Japanese, who opened a test track in 1997. The first commercial-scale SCMaglev train is under construction in Japan and is not expected to begin operations until 2027.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) a $27.8 million dollar grant to prepare an Environmental Impact Study for this project. MDOT is currently evaluating the potential impacts of constructing and operating a SCMaglev system between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. That process began in November 2016 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision are expected in late winter 2019, according to MDOT.
The Bank of Japan has already committed $5 billion dollars of the $10 billion needed to fund construction. Baltimore-Washington Rapid Raid (BWRR) is the American company serving as the project developer. The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is the Japanese company that owns the SCMaglev technology. The Northeast Maglev (TNEM) is also working closely with JR Central and BWRR to make this project a reality.
There is growing concern that because of the public-private nature of this project, the potential billions of dollars of foreign investment available, and increased interest by both state and Federal administrations – this train may be built in the near future without the independent deliberative evaluations and reviews that it deserves.
The project promises many benefits but it is highly questionable if any are likely to help local communities along the routes between Baltimore -Washington. Many questions remain unanswered.
Check out the "Questions" tab to learn more about the questions and concerns surrounding this project.
About Citizens Against SCMaglev
Citizens Against This SCMaglev (CATS) is a grassroots group of citizens in Maryland that opposes the proposed SCMaglev project between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. The group is made up of citizens from throughout the region, and provides support to communities and organizations in Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties. It seeks to educate citizens and elected leaders about the project and advocate for a thorough examination of the technology and its implications for the Baltimore-Washington region.
While politics are involved, we believe this is a non-partisan issue. Homes, schools, churches, businesses, historic sites and greenspace don’t fall along party lines. We are a group of residents who feel strongly that SCMaglev is not in the best interest of Maryland citizens. We are working hard to raise awareness of the project and our serious concerns in the communities that could be affected and among our elected officials.
SCMaglev in the News
Links to news articles and opinion pieces related to the SCMaglev
Washington Post - Opinions
"Larry Hogan’s hovering white elephant"
"Bowie residents get a look at high-speed train plans"