Maglev’s demonstrated ability to rapidly accelerate and decelerate, maintain a high travel speed and to follow flexible routes can lead to especially short total travel times and relatively simple access to city centers. Considering intercity travel times for distances of about 1,000 kilometers/600+ miles, maglev trains clearly outclass all other transport systems. The result is that air transport can be replaced attractively by maglev trains for short and medium distances. At the same time, high schedule frequency is possible, which also improves travel flexibility for customers.

Maglev systems can surpass the basic advantage of air traffic −fast point-to-point connections between major cities − and improve the connections between mid-sized cities with its simplified boarding procedures and reduced waiting times. And, as a rule, they can do this faster, more flexibly and more efficiently than would ever be possible with conventional wheel/rail systems. 

Maglev’s main significance is as a direct connection between major cities, major airports and mega-cities.