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| Techno - economic Analysis of Low and Medium - speed Maglev Transport |
| XIAO Fei |
| (National Railway Administration Planning and Standard Research Institute，Beijing 100055，China) |
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Abstract Abstract:Research purposes: The Changsha Maglev Express starting trial operations on May 6th 2016 is China’s first
and also the world’ s third low and medium - speed maglev line that has been put into commercial operation. Its successful opening has not only attracted wide attention from the society as a whole，but also rendered low and medium -speed maglev transport a new hotspot for investment in urban rail transit. It requires serious consideration of all parties
concerned to ensure scientific investment decisions. This paper conducts a comprehensive research on technical features
and economic efficiency of low and medium - speed maglev transport through a comparative analysis between it and
traditional wheel/rail transport. Furthermore，the paper analyzes the environment it applies to and predicts its prospect
for development for the reference of decision - makers concerned.
Research conclusions： From the analysis of technical features and economic efficiency of low and medium - speed
maglev transport，the following can be concluded ： ( 1 ) It offers comfortable travel experience and is environment - friendly. It is also characterized by strong line adaptability，high safety， and low maintenance. (2) Its shortcomings include small traffic volume， relatively unfavorable connectivity， low overload capacity， relatively high energy
consumption，and relatively high construction cost per unit transport capacity. (3) In contrast to traditional wheel rail
transport，it has very limited market space. (4) These results have guiding significance for relevant practitioners
engaged in the low and medium - speed maglev transport industry，project investment decision - making，and technical
and economic comparison.
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Received: 12 January 2017
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2017, Vol. 34 
