And that's when Palmdale prevailed. Now that Palmdale's position on the state's high-speed rail system is virtually locked in, the next step is to maintain the pole position. The authority must still approve a business plan, with environmental impact studies and cost analysis. Then, there's a decision on which technology to use. Where MagLev shines is in its performance.
MagLev trains travel on a frictionless surface, saving energy and time.
Top speeds of steel wheel technology are estimated at 220 mph. MagLev trains, it's believed, may exceed speeds of 310 mph. After the business plan is formed, it must be submitted to the Legislature. This is scheduled to happen sometime in December. If approved by the Legislature and the governor, voters would have to vote on whether to tax themselves, creating a bond for the public-private funded project.