THE MIDDLE EAST. The tipping culture is often complex and subtle in this part of the world. It's known for being very friendly and hospitable, with people providing too much service, says Rita Zawaideh, the Jordanian-born owner of Seattle's Caravan-Serai Tours, which plans trips to the region.
Maglev operating costs will be only 3 cents per passenger mile and 7 cents per ton mile, compared to 15 cents per passenger mile for airplanes, and 30 cents per ton mile for intercity trucks.1) Much lower guideway cost$12 million per mile, compared to $40 million to $60 million per mile. (2) Much faster payback times5 years instead of 50, by carrying piggyback trucks. (3) Electronic switching of vehicles at high speeds from the main guideway to off-line stations for loading and unloading.
Maglev or Magnetic Levitation trains are not a new idea. The first Maglev train was invented in 1902 requiring many years for its eventual development. The idea during the earlier days of the 20th century was that a train would levitate just about the track through the use of powerful magnets to keep it afloat. Considered a futuristic idea for its time, the invention of the train by Alfred Zehden was awarded its first patent in 1905. Many scientists around the globe were working on the same idea but it was Zehdenâs that is credited with the invention of the Maglev.