A new study finds it's technically feasible for a magnetic levitation, or maglev train to be built between San Diego and Imperial County. But its hefty price tag might make it a difficult sell. KPBS reporter Beth Ford Roth has more.
San Diego County's Airport Authority requested the report from SANDAG. The authority is considering an Imperial County location as a possible future airport site, and the maglev train would be a key component to the selection of that site.
The study finds a maglev from Miramar to Imperial County would cost between 15-and-18-billion dollars to build. SANDAG executive director Gary Gallegos says the next step is studying how to pay for it.
Gallegos: My experience in large infrastructure pieces in this region, is rarely is there one source, rarely is it just the feds or just the states or just government.
The study also found the maglev would take about a half-hour to reach Imperial County, and cost passengers $20 each way. Beth Ford Roth, KPBS News.
