D) Multiple Point Skytran Service

This third example compares a proposed 250 mph MagLev system to connect Orlando International Airport in Florida with the International Center (14 miles apart).

 

Florida MagLev

SkyTran

Cruise Speed

250 mph

100 mph

Time for one way trip (accelerating up to cruise speed, cruise, then decelerating to a stop).

6.5 minutes
(1/8th g max due to not using any passenger restraint seatbelts)

8.6 minutes
(1/2 g max)

Resulting average speed

129 mph

97.4 mph

Average travel speed due to departures being 15 minutes apart

39 mph to 129 mph (time is wasted waiting for the next MagLev)

97.4 mph
(on-demand, no waiting)

Total system miles

14 miles

14 miles (to the International Center plus 30 extra miles of branched SkyTran track to travel non-stop directly to all major hotels)

Time to travel 14 miles

6.5 to 21.5 minutes

Always 8.6 minutes

Time to travel from airport to your hotel

Add 10 to 30 minutes to hail a cab, or rent a car, load, travel, then unload at your final destination

It would add less than 2 minutes, if your hotel was 3 more miles from the International Center*

Total number of vehicles

1

2,300

System Cost

$500 million

$74 million**

% of MagLev system Cost

100%

14.8%

Hourly passenger capacity

1,600 (4 trips /hr)

3,600 (7,200 with 2 /vehicle)

Maximum daily capacity

38,400

86,400 (172,800 with 2/vehicle)

Expected daily capacity

21,918 (8 million per year)

21,918

Annual gross income from fare revenues ($18 per trip)

$144 million

$144 million

Annual expenses

Assume $0**

$45 million

Excess remaining after expenses

$144 million

$99 Million

Annual return to City for its transportation investment

28.8%***

133.8%

* It becomes logical to utilize modern computers and established barcode systems to enable travelers to check in their baggage at their departure directly to their specific hotel.  They should not be burdened with waiting for (add another 20 minutes) and handling their luggage at the airport (or the International Center).
** The conclusion here is that the lower cost, on-demand, SkyTran system would be much more convenient to use, would have higher carrying capacity and could provide net income to the City for system expansion.  Even reducing fares to half of the 250mph MagLev fare ($18 to $9) would still yield a return of 36.5% after expenses.
** Annual expenses for energy, maintenance, operations, salaries of operators, facilities, etc. of MagLev monorail trains unknown.  Here even assuming zero expenses for operating the 250 mph MagLev system, the annual return to the city is one quarter of the 100 mph SkyTran system.
Source: SAE Report 921583, Aug 1992, The Transrapid MagLev System — An Update

 

Comparison of Total Time to Get to One's Hotel from the Airport

250 mph MagLev

100 mph SkyTran

Time to get to the MagLev or SkyTran station after exiting the airplane

5 to 10 minutes

1 minute*

Average time waiting for vehicle

7.5 minutes

1 minute

Time to travel to the International Center

6.5 minutes

8.6 minutes

Time to get luggage

20 to 30 minutes

0**

Time to hail a shuttle and board

5 to 10 minutes

0

Time to travel to hotel from the International Center

10 to 20 minutes

3 to 6 minutes

Total Time

54 to 84 minutes

14 to 17 minutes

*Numerous SkyTran stations would be conveniently located within 100 feet of each airline’s arrival gate.
**Luggage checked in at departure airport will be automatically delivered to your hotel via SkyTran.

 

Copyright©1999-2003, Douglas J. Malewicki, AeroVisions, Inc.