ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves are studying the idea of creating a new train to take fans from downtown Atlanta to Turner Field.

The team is partnering with Marietta-based American Maglev Technologies. The plan calls for two magnetic levitation automated cars to move fans at speeds of up to 40 mph, WSB-TV reported (http://bit.ly/1e7jKWF ).

The train would start near the Georgia State University MARTA station, cross over Interstate 20 and end in the Turner Field parking lots. Officials said the system would likely link into the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority system, but be privately built, funded and maintained.

Atlanta Braves Vice President Mike Plant said he's been negotiating with the city on the team's stadium lease renewal.

He said getting some sort of direct transit to Turner Field is a top priority.

"We think this would be much more efficient," Plant said of the proposal to create the train.

"We think this is a huge opportunity to not only solve a huge problem for us but show the world what this technology can do," Plant added.

Another aspect of the plan: The train would run year-round and could also be used by Georgia State students who park in the Turner Field lots for school.

Currently, fans that ride MARTA have to take the Braves Shuttle to head home.

For many it can be a long and sometimes frustrating ordeal taking a bus, then a walk before getting on a train.

"If you can make it quicker, I'm going to be all for it," said Braves fan Ted Donley.