Rise and shine for Japan’s first Maglev

Launched on Sunday, Linimo - Japan’s first Maglev train - will transport visitors to and from the 2005 World Expo, which runs from 25 March to late September in the Nagoya Eastern Hills in central Japan, and hopes to draw 15 million visitors.

The train, which was designed and built by Chubu HSST Development Corporation, glides 8 mm above its track, creating virtually no noise.

Electromagnets on the body of the train cause it to lift, and a sensor regulates the space between the track and the vehicle. The force between the track and the electromagnets compensates for horizontal movements.

The new train provides passengers with an almost vibration-free ride. The Linimo has three carriages, and travels at a maximum speed of 62mph. The track for it extends 8.9km from Nagoya City to Toyota City, stopping at nine stations during the 15-minute journey.

Passengers queued overnight to be among the first to ride on the new service.