A comparison of rail system alternatives and the magnetic levitation trains (MAGLEV) by using multi criteria evaluation method

The use of the MAGLEV, which is the most recent technology of high speed trains, is being worldwide spread. The use of the MAGLEV in Turkey is also discussed, although the technical research on the use of this mode as a transport mode in Turkey is very new. In this study, advantages and disadvantages of the MAGLEV train against other alternatives have been researched in case of use in Turkey. The multi-criteria analysis method, which is used also in transport alternatives, has been applied with the pre-determined cost-analysis values of a MAGLEV route (North-South California route-USA) to the possible scenarios for different alternatives in Turkey. By estimating the weights of the criteria of multiple criteria evaluation method, expert opinions have been taken. The same method was adopted in this study. The results obtained show that MAGLEV train, although not used in Turkey yet, worth to discussing as an alternative rail system preference.