Kudos to Howard Whetzel for his excellent take on the maglev boondoggle (Opinion and Commentary, Nov. 10).
In addition to the negatives Mr. Whetzel pointed out, I would like to add that if maglev reached a reasonable speed of just 200 mph — and considering acceleration and deceleration rates suitable for passenger comfort and safety — the total travel time for a 48-mile trip from Greensburg to Pittsburgh International airport (excluding stopping time at stations), would take about 19 minutes.
Compare this to the Seattle Fair monorail, which can reach a speed of 90 mph when carrying 125 passengers. This train could make the trip in about 34 minutes, excluding stops. My question: Is the 15-minute difference in travel time worth not only the added expense but the risk to build an experimental system?
'UNDULATING RIDE'
At the speeds touted by maglev proponents, the 12-mile trip between stations would be an undulating ride for passengers. About 2 1/2 minutes would be either being pressed back into your seat to get to top speed or leaning forward as the train comes to a stop. The 2 1/2 minutes would be at a "quiet" cruising speed.
My advice⢠If we are sure ridership will support this route financially, and I have my doubts, build a much less expensive steel rail system or a pneumatic tire monorail system that can travel at half the speed of maglev. We would save a lot of money and get a better, proven system.
William R. Casey, a professional engineer, lives in West Mifflin.
