"What would be the effect of the movement on people who have benign positional vertigo? I can visualize all those otoliths clacking together and causing havoc."
Pardon me for being ruthless and hardhearted, but that's not my problem. I'm presenting an engineering solution to some municipal and geographic problems, and you're asking about the effect on people with medical conditions.
Essentially, if you have discomfort from traveling, this mode of traveling will occasionally cause you discomfort. It is designed to be a sedate and comfortable ride, similar to a slow cab ride, (as opposed to a demonic trip from Hades that involves scattering pedestrians like leaves). If you are prone to dizziness, I recommend sitting down for the trip. Each car has seating for about six to eight people, with standing room for more. Make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Next question: "Correct me if wrong. The system utilizes electromagnetic propulsion horizontally and air blast expulsion for vertical up manipulation ..."
Um, no. The system uses a procedure and equipment similar to a magnetically levitated monorail type system, but instead of two level tracks to follow, it has a pattern of six "rails" surrounding the (spherical elevator) car. Not all of these rails or the "shoe" that fits them are in use at the same time.
Consider the issue of changing direction; approaching a "Y" junction. If shifting to the right, then the rails on the left are disengaged, while the car faithfully tracks along the rails moving off to the right. If you were walking in the tunnels, (not recommended), only the uninterrupted rails would be visible. The switches are a part of the moving car.
It's obvious that rails on the floor of the tunnel would be used by the traveling car, but it is less obvious how the ones going up the wall and overhead are to be used. That's why the switches are on the car.
The tunnels are passive, merely giving a magnetic path to follow, while the active functions are mainly on the moving car.
Propulsion is provided by linear induction; the magnetic attraction ahead, and the magnetic repulsion behind, cause the car to accelerate, or switch directions. These same forces will lift the car when it is ascending a grade or acting as an elevator. It is only when the car actually stops that physical contact is made between car and track. Basically, the car sets its parking brake for embarking or disembarking passengers. When the passengers have loaded, the car activates its linear induction drive mechanism, and only then, releases the parking brake and begins its journey.
All air movement is purely a consequence of moving large objects, or a provision for the safety and comfort of passengers. Air does not provide a lifting force, although it is inarguable that it does provide a braking force.
Thanks Bob. Still has my interest.
It’s OK, Sweetie. Mr. Sg and one of my best friends both have BPV. If I have to, I’ll sprout wings a la the Patterson Maximum Ride birdkids and transport them wherever they need to go.