Munich's New Magnetic Attraction

Paris, France
October 4, 2007

Public transport networks are extensive and reasonably-priced throughout Europe, but nowhere is it more efficient than in Germany-and more improvements are on the way. Bavaria now has funding for a new magnetic levitation (maglev) system linking downtown Munich with the city's international airport.

The maglev rail link will operate using electrically-powered magnets, enabling trains to "float" on the rail, reducing friction and reaching higher speeds than normal trains.

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Rail operator Deutsche Bahn and the industrial group Transrapid (a group that includes Siemens and ThyssenKrupp, the project developers) are involved in the ?1.85bn ($2.6bn) scheme. The high-speed service will reach up to 500km/h (310mph) and will be the first such commercial link in Europe-the only other maglev train runs in China, from Shanghai's financial district to its new airport.

No date has been given for the start of construction, but my money is on a maglev link up-and-running well before Japan's, targeted for 2025. Taxi lines at Munich airport will soon be a thing of the past.

Best regards,

Maria Savage
International Living's European Consultant