The German safety requirements for high-speed maglev systems are documented in the High-Speed Maglev Trains Safety Requirements, Regelwerk Magnetschnellbahnen--Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen (RW MSB), Railroad Construction and Traffic Regulations (EBO), and the draft Maglev Construction and Operation Regulation (draft MBO). A major focus of this report is the evaluation of German Standards Institute standards (DINS) cited in the RW MSB.

A review of the RW MSB, the EBO, and the draft MBO safety requirements, as they relate to seven major maglev system functional areas has been performed. These requirements have been compared and assessed to identify similarities to and differences from equivalent U.S. and international transportation-related regulations, standards, specifications, and/or guidelines, and certain general industrial requirements. Unique aspects of the U.S. operating environment have also been considered.

Findings are presented regarding proposed safety requirements for the construction and operation of high-speed maglev systems in the United States. These findings are intended to assist FRA in establishing safety requirements for U.S. maglev systems.