Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Magnetic Levitating Train Could Have You In D.C. In An Hour
By
Lauren Evans
Published Oct 22, 2014
Modified Oct 22, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty
By
Lauren Evans
Published Oct 22, 2014
Modified Oct 22, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Add this to the list of theoretical high-speed transit options this country desperately needs—a magnetic levitating train (!) that will shoot passengers between New York and Washington D.C. in roughly an hour! Never be late to your reservation with a senator or pricey courtesan at Old Ebbitt Grill ever again!
The maglev (that's a portmanteau) is already happening in Japan, because Japan is the uppity rich asshole always throwing lavish cheese and cocaine parties in the family's lesser Hamptons mansion. America might get one someday, but only if we win the lottery or some distant wealthy aunt fortuitously kicks the bucket and leaves us a fat inheritance. (Who would that aunt be in this case? Norway?)
We are a long way off, but the dream isn't totally intangible. Northeast Maglev, the company behind the project, will "begin seeking federal regulatory approval next year," which is a euphemism for "not in your lifetime." Still, the company did apply for a railway franchise in Maryland to connect D.C. and Baltimore, a crucial first step.
The Japanese government last week approved funding to upgrade existing railways between Tokyo and Nagoya with maglev technology, which employs magnets to lift the train several inches from the guideway and send it hurtling through space at more than 300 mph. The company behind the project vowed to waive U.S. licensing fees to sweeten the deal, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged $5 billion in financing toward the D.C-Baltimore portion of the line, probably because he knows we will never be able to pony up the rest—an additional $5 billion, just for that stretch. A $1.75 billion bid was already rejected in 2010 on the basis that the project was "not ready," according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
Don't be too disappointed, though. Those smug bastards in Japan still won't be getting their magical flying train until 2027. In the meantime, we can still pin all our hopes on Amtrak.
Tagged
high speed trains
maglev
pipe dreams
transportation
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman spar over immigration, cost of living in debate
The Democratic incumbent repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump. The Republican challenger largely avoided bringing up New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
and
Carol Chen
ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants
By
Mike Hayes
Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .