Tagging Miles

More Progress for a DC to Baltimore MagLev

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I wrote a couple of years ago about a effort for a DC to Baltimore MagLev. Well, there is more progress happening; here’s an update:

DC to Baltimore MagLev

An environmental study is to be funded by the Federal Railroad Administration and conducted by the Maryland Transit Administration. The grant for the study–$27.8 million–was already awarded. But based on a WTOP article, the remainder of the $10-12 billion dollars for the project will be privately funded.

This past weekend, there was an event in DC sharing the various route options for the DC to Baltimore MagLev (you can see a short video, though it doesn’t really share much detail about the routes):

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You can see some of the route options and more information at the Baltimore Washington MagLev Project site, though to summarize, they are identifying 6 Alternatives leveraging the Amtrak Corridor, The Baltimore-Washington Parkway, or the Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Corridor. Essentially most of the paths have a bit of an east “bulge” from the direct line between the two cities. The MagLev would also provide a faster linkage to the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which, with Metro’s woes lately, could make BWI the most easily and quickly accessed airport of the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region!

Conclusion

The DMV is reeling from lots of rail issues of late, primarily centered around Metro. Between Metro’s expansion of the Silver Line to Dulles International Airport (IAD), to Metro’s SafeTrack initiative, which is attempting to right the wrongs of the past 30 years or so of deferred maintenance, DC riders are stuck. Having a better, faster, and reliable option to get out of the city, seems to me like a win for everyone. Needless to say, I’ve been following this, and will continue to follow the DC to Baltimore MagLev project. 

What do you think of the DC to Baltimore MagLev project? Are you in favor?

DC to Baltimore MagLev

Rendering, via CNN

 

 

Changes coming to Washington’s Reagan National Airport

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Later this week, WTOP reports that the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s Board of Directors will be presented a plan for Reagan National Airport including most notably, moving the National Hall behind security. There certainly is a lot on the MWAA’s plate, between this and Dulles’ continuing agreement with United. Not to mention the Metro connector to Dulles. 

The Board of Directors will be presented with a plan to create two glass enclosed security screening areas near the metro bridges, and this will effectively move the security zone that delineates “airside” and “landside” further out, making the National Hall airside.

Reagan National Airport

2015 Rendering – Courtesy of MWAA via WTOP

The idea makes sense and it doesn’t. I can see it making sense because American certainly uses the airport as a hub, and now having flights out of two concourses, it will certainly make connections easier. It further avails more passengers to more of the food and beverage options. It probably hurts a handful of food and beverage operators in the National Hall though, as customers won’t be able to get there without a ticket or gate pass.

There will also be a regional terminal, rather than Gate 35X—a bus terminal for all intents and purposes–which is where regional flights are currently operated out. I see the value of it, but, Reagan National Airport is still a pretty small airport, I’m just not sure whether $408M for a new regional terminal is the best use of resources. Alas, that’s probably why I’m not a decision maker on the Board.

Courtesy of MWAA via WTOP

Final Thoughts on Reagan National Airport Changes

As I think back, its not terribly surprising to see this move, but, it is also disappointing. I remember back in College, going to Reagan National Airport to pick up my then girlfriend (now wife) and us grabbing dinner at one of the handful of restaurants off of the Grand Hall. There were even times I’d just take the metro to the airport so I could wander it and do some planespotting.

 

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