The proposed system could conceivably operate at speeds exceeding 300 mph, with stations spaced every 20 to 25 miles. SCAG studies also show that substantial growth constraints on the region's airports through 2020 will result in redistribution of air passengers to other airports in the regional system. Without sufficient improvements to ground infrastructure, this will likely result in significant loss of air service and regional economic benefits, SCAG's study shows. Increased use of existing and future airports will impact population growth, creating a greater reliance on ground infrastructure, Pisano said. High-speed rail would compensate for the increased ground traffic, Pisano said.
Maglev trains save energy and time.
It's believed maglev trains could top out at speeds of 500 mph. A high-speed train would also bring success to SCAG's regional plan to make more use of outlying airports, such as Palmdale and Ontario, to provide relief to LAX, which is expected to be inundated with up to 20 million passengers per year by the year 2020. Overall, speakers at the conference painted a rosy economic picture for the region, at least through the next year. The state's economic expansion continues to be powered by growth in services, particularly in the entertainment, private education, engineering and management and financial sectors, according to Lieser's forecast. Construction, transportation and communication sectors also experienced significant growth.