2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Mag Lev Trains: A Possible Solution to Treasure Valley Traffic Congestion?

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Sondra Miller

Abstract

Traffic is a prevailing issue in cities as population density grows. While buses and conventional passenger trains offer a cost-effective solution, they still contribute to the noise and air pollution. Magnetic levitation trains (maglev) provide a faster and quieter method of transportation. Furthermore, track layout versatility allows for greater efficiency in route planning. Carbon emissions are reduced because they are fully electric and do not run on fossil fuels.

However, maglev trains can cost billions like a proposed maglev that would span the Atlantic from Washington, D.C. to Maryland that was projected to cost 12 billion dollars. The rail construction is material intensive, requiring lots of rare earth minerals. This is a mega project that can span hundreds of miles so that builds up a lot of cost. Furthermore, there are zoning concerns regarding existing infrastructure in the way of an ideal path and must be planned around. These concerns are greater when you expand the project to span several states, considering private property, national parks, and reservations. Finally, there is the ongoing maintenance as megaprojects erode. While the cost is large though, the efficiency gain and environmental impacts are worth the cost.

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