Tuesday 21, November
All aboard the M-Bahn: A new maglev train for Berlin?
The proposal for a new magnetic levitation train in Berlin came from the CDU. With a proposed test track stretching for five to seven kilometres, the driverless trains would be capable of transporting both passengers and goods across the city. What’s more, they suggest, the entire project – estimated to cost €80 million – would be financed from the city’s special climate fund.
Not everyone is convinced, though. No sooner had the plan had been released to the press than the CDU’s partner in Berlin government, the SPD, commented they had “big doubts” about the idea.
An article in the Tagesspiegel quotes Transport Policy spokesperson Tino Schopf (SPD) saying that his party does not think the time frame of two years is realistic and they would rather strengthen the existing environmental network. What’s more, they were irritated to find out about the plans in the press, stating: “This is not how I imagine cooperation between coalition partners.” Further criticism of the plans came from Markus Hecht, a professor at TU university, who pointed out that a normal train would be cheaper and have better energy efficiency.
If the proposal did go through, this actually would not be the first time Berlin had a magnetic levitation train. Between 1984-1991, the so-called Berlin M-Bahn ran between Gleisdreieck in Kreuzberg and Kemperplatz in Tiergarten.
