billion, does Japans hyperspeed maglev train have a future?
(The Associated Press circulated the following story by Kenji Hall on January 10.) TSURU, Japan — With a slight jerk and a high-pitched whine, the world’s fastest train accelerates from a standstill so quickly that the excited passengers are pushed deep into their seats. Reaching 310 mph takes less than 90 seconds for Japan’s maglev train, which derives its name from its use of an electromagnetic cushion that supports and propels the train instead of wheels. Officials point to the high-tech showpiece as the future of mass transit. But after four decades and $2.4 billion spent on research, the Japanese maglev has just one station, no ticket booths _ and no clear future. “We want to build the line as soon as possible,” said Yutaka Osada, deputy chief of Central Japan Railway Co.’s maglev research division. “But the government has to decide because it will pay to start construction. With the current economy, it probably won’t be running for some time.” Skeptics say the maglev may never t
