Abstract: A transverse elevator system having generally horizontal and generally vertical components in a building with horizontal pathways guiding first passenger vehicles on each floor that connect to a plurality of vertical pathways guiding second passenger vehicles intersecting the horizontal pathways at stops at the points of intersection, wherein passenger transfer from horizontal to vertical movement is achieved by locking the first vehicles to the second vehicles with passenger chutes defining panels that extend from the vertical pathways and lock the first vehicles to the vertical pathways. In a second embodiment, passengers are carried in a separate enclosed CAPULSEs that shift from the first vehicles to the second vehicles obviating the need for complex horizontal to vertical drive transfer mechanisms.

Abstract: A rotary tower crane with a tower, which carries a jib and a counterjib, with a jib stay being guided from a tower top to the jib and to the counterjib. The jib stay tensions only an inner jib portion, the length of which is less than 40% of the total length of the jib, and an outer portion, the length of which is more than 60% of the total length of the jib, forms an untensioned bending beam jib which includes at least one jib piece which tapers in height and which is adjoined on the inner side by at least one jib part of greater height and on the outer side by a jib piece of smaller height.

Abstract: Disclosed are transport and logistics systems of large cities that may be used in construction of cities with population of over five hundred thousand people. The technical result of the proposed solution is to optimize the urban transport and logistics system, eliminate traffic congestions and ensure rapid movement to any point in the city. The urban transport and logistics system includes the first ground level for road and rail freight transport, the second level of pipeline and technical communications, the third level of passenger transport, the fourth pedestrian level, each level being located one above the other, and they are connected with each other and with residential and non-residential buildings by vertical staircase-elevator modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a rail vehicle. The vehicle includes: bogies, where the bogie has a straddle recess suitable for straddling a rail, and the bogie is provided with a first dodge groove and a second dodge groove used to respectively dodge two side walls of the rail; and a vehicle body, where the vehicle body is connected to the bogie and pulled by the bogie to travel along the rail, and the vehicle body includes a plurality of compartments hinged sequentially along a length direction of the rail; and in the length direction of the rail, a surface that is of a compartment at at least one end of the vehicle body and that faces away from an adjacent compartment is provided with an escape door that can be opened and closed.

Abstract: A backbone rail for a roller coaster, comprising two rail pipes designed for vehicles to travel upon, and at least one, particularly main load-bearing backbone pipe not designed for vehicles to travel on, whose second moment of area is greater than the second moment of area of the rail pipes, wherein rail pipes and backbone pipe are connected to each other section-by-section by stiffening bulkheads, whereby at least one bulkhead has the following features: A transverse cross member, which extends in the orthogonal direction and connects the rail pipes with each other, and bulkhead plates, connecting at least one rail pipe with the backbone pipe, wherein at least one bulkhead plate is designed as a longitudinal bulkhead plate, whose main plane of extension extends perpendicular to the bulkhead plane, and which is attached to the backbone pipe in such a way that it runs tangentially into the backbone pipe. In addition, the invention relates to a roller coaster arrangement with such a backbone rail.

Abstract: A method for enabling elevated trains to travel both above as well as below a vertically-tiered pair of tracks by having wheels both in the upper and lower area of the train with the ability to switch from traveling on the upper tracks using lower wheels to traveling on the lower track using tipper wheels, where the said method of switching between upper and lower tracks enables trains to be moved between multiple levels serving as passing loops as well as vertical depots.

Abstract: A method for enabling elevated trains for travel both above as well as below a vertically-tiered pair of tracks by having wheels both in the upper and lower area of the train with the ability to switch from traveling on the upper tracks using lower wheels to traveling on the lower track using upper wheels, where the said method of switching between upper and lower tracks enables trains to be moved between multiple levels serving as passing loops as well as vertical depots.

Abstract: A highway interchange facilitates the intersection of two or more highways or other roadways. A plurality of travel paths forming a major thoroughfare and a minor thoroughfare are connected together through a plurality of exits. For each travel path, a right turn exit and a left turn exit are provided, giving travelers the option of either continuing straight or transitioning from one thoroughfare to the other in either direction.

Abstract: An amusement ride having a track (15) with a curved portion, a carriage (1) for holding an occupant (7) that is movable along the track, and a braking system. At least part of the carriage (1) will move in response to at least one inertial force acting upon the carriage as the carriage traverses the curved portion of the track, in the absence of a counteraction by an occupant of the carriage. The braking system operates in response to the movement of the at least part of the carriage (1) to inducing a braking force. Upon an action by an occupant of the carriage (1) to counteract the induction of the braking force, the braking force acting on the carriage is reduced or substantially avoided.

Abstract: Provided is a building structure enabling use of a horizontal member made of heavy gauge steel and braces installed between pillars erected in a longitudinal direction to be eliminated and structurally efficient.

Abstract: The combination parking structure, roadway and train station is a commuter-based system for relieving traffic congestion. The combination parking structure, roadway and train station includes a parking structure having a plurality of levels, at least one roadway, and a train station within the parking structure. A primary entry ramp branches from the at least one roadway, and a plurality of secondary entry ramps each branch from the primary entry ramp. Each secondary entry ramp connects with, and leads into, a corresponding one of the plurality of levels of the parking structure. Similarly, a primary exit ramp feeds into the at least one roadway, and a plurality of secondary exit ramps each connects with, and leads from, a corresponding one of the plurality of levels of the parking structure and feeds into the primary exit ramp. An internal portion of a set of train tracks is located within the parking structure.

Abstract: A track system for amusement rides with truss-like track elements, which consist of at least one three girder system and comprise, as the first and second girder elements, tracks extending alongside each other, and at least one other girder element, wherein a first stiffening plane is formed by means of the tracks and cross beams connecting the tracks, and second and third stiffening planes are formed in each case by means of one track and the transverse struts, connecting said track to the at least third girder element; and, in order to form the track sections, the cross beams and the transverse struts are arranged spaced apart.

Abstract: A leveling system includes a plurality of leveling blocks for leveling a relatively large vehicle and a handle for securing the plurality of leveling blocks together for convenient storage and transport of the leveling blocks without a container. Each leveling block includes a pattern of protrusions that extend upwardly from a top surface and a pattern of recesses formed in a bottom surface. Each leveling block has an opening formed therethrough and at least one of the openings is provided with an internal thread. The handle includes an extensible and retractable portion adjacent a proximate end thereof and an external thread at a longitudinal opposite distal end thereof. The handle is guided through the openings of the plurality of leveling blocks and the external thread engages the internal thread provided on the at least one opening to secure the leveling blocks together.

Abstract: A track element includes a base having a first side and a second side opposing the second side, the first side of the base defining a set of wheel engagement elements and the second side of the base defining first and second locking block receptacles at the first and second ends of the base, respectively. The track element includes a first track element connector disposed at the first end of the base and a second track element connector disposed at the second end of the base. The first locking block receptacle is configured to receive a first locking block to define a first support for a first track piece and the second locking block receptacle is configured to receive a second locking block to define a second support for a second track piece.

Abstract: A cable car system for transporting people includes at least one vehicle to be coupled along a line to a transport cable, to be moved by the cable in stations and to be moved past at least one embarkation or disembarkation area in which passengers board or leave the vehicle. A conveyor is provided in the embarkation or disembarkation area. A screen is provided for the passengers between the motion path of the vehicle and the embarkation and disembarkation area, to protect the passengers against climatic and acoustic conditions prevailing outside the station building. The screen has at least one opening through which the passengers move to the at least one vehicle or to the disembarkation area. The conveyor is located within the opening and extends only over a part of the length of the opening in the motion direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress rise in running resistance with increases in weight of a transport vehicle group, and prevent higher energy consumption and manufacturing cost. A transport device transports a transport vehicle (1) carrying an article (E) along a transport path including a curved path and forms a continuous floor (B) on the transport vehicle (1) in the entire or partial transport path. The transport device includes: running rails (R) that are laid along the transport path to support running wheels (4, 5, and 6) of the transport vehicle (1); guide rails that guide the transport vehicle (1) along the transport path; a drive unit that drives the transport vehicle (1); and a water way (WW) that is formed along the transport path to reserve water (W).

Abstract: A track structure component that includes a triangular girder having a top plate, a first side plate and a second side plate with a lower surface of the top plate abutting the first edge of the first side plate, the lower surface of the top plate abutting the first edge of the second side plate and the second side edge of the first side plate abutting the second side edge of the second side plate and a rail component that includes at least one rail positioned adjacent to an upper surface of the top plate.

Abstract: A mobile cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system includes a platform, and at least one bearing operatively connected to the platform and configured to engage with a lower surface of a rail of the printing system in order to locate the platform with respect to an ejector head positioned opposite the rail. The cart further includes at least one other bearing operatively connected to the platform and configured to engage with an upper surface of the rail and apply a bias force that urges the at least one bearing against the lower surface of the rail. The rail can be configured to block material ejected by the ejector head from reaching the lower surface thereon.

Abstract: A scaffold comprising at least two horizontally adjacent scaffold sections, the scaffold sections being defined substantially by lengthwise ledgers, transverse ledgers and uprights, characterized in that the scaffold comprises a guide adapted to be able to displace in substantially horizontal direction therealong a displaceable platform corresponding thereto and guided thereby; a method for erecting the scaffold, and a mobile platform.

Abstract: A process for the control of movement of rail-based automated transport vehicles (2a, 2b) in a multi-branch rail system (1) that contains in particular switches (4), lifts (10, 11) and other integrated rail-based units, including stations for loading and unloading, with a depiction of rail system (1) in the control system of the automated transport vehicle (2a, 2b) with all integrated rail-based units (4; 10, 11; 13-16; 20, 21, 33) by means of nodes (7-9; 22-25) and edges (26-31) as defined in graph theory.

Abstract: A three-dimensional urban road system capable of intensively utilizing land and avoiding traffic jam, including a straight section, a longitudinal slope section and an intersection. The straight section and the intersection are connected to form a road network. The longitudinal slope section is connected with the straight section, realizing connection between the straight section and the ground. The straight section includes a bottom road, a parking layer and a running layer; parallel ramps for small cars only arranged such that small cars in the straight section can switch among the three layers. Roads are changed into three layers: the upper running layer for small cars; the middle parking layer, a transfer layer for parking and connecting the ground road and the upper running layer; and the bottom road for large vehicles. Large vehicles and small cars are completely shunted, thus effectively solving the problem of traffic jam.

Abstract: Provided is a deck, configured for supporting a carriageable surface, including first structural girders defining a support surface for the carriageable surface; at least one second structural girder configured to position itself on the opposite side to said carriageable surface in relation to the first structural girders; diagonal girders integrally connecting the first and said second structural girders to each other, defining, for the deck, a truss; said first and said second structural girders include a core in concrete material: and an external reinforcement partially cladding the core and made of metallic material.

Abstract: An amusement ride system is disclosed. The amusement ride system includes a support subsystem that includes a loading location, a first location, and a second location. The support subsystem includes a first anchor cable extending between the loading location and the first location and a second anchor cable extending between the loading location and the second location, with a first trolley movably attached to the first anchor cable and a second trolley movably attached to the second anchor cable. A trolley actuation subsystem moves the first trolley and the second trolley along the length of the first anchor cable and the second anchor, respectively. A swing subsystem includes a passenger carriage, wherein a first swing line is coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the first trolley and a second swing line coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the second trolley.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transportation system with integrated infrastructure. In one embodiment, this infrastructure takes the form of a hollow elevated load bearing guideway structure designed to support the weight of traveling vehicles. The structure supports a backbone beam, or rail, that has multiple functions. These functions may include vehicle control, security, and energy delivery. The structure is bimodal meaning vehicles can have wheels like cars or steel rimmed wheels like a train or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The personal transportation rail system includes an automated, elevated single lane throughway comprising multi-gauge rail track arranged in various combinations. A computerized control system regulates spacing of vehicles while maintaining uniform speed. The rail switching is accomplished by variable gauge rail wheels on the vehicle, which selectively engage or avoid engaging with various wider rail-gauge tracks. On-ramps extend from a guideway station and are taken by the vehicle temporarily engaging with a descending wide-gauge section of track that ends side by side in parallel with the narrow-gauge track. Off-ramps lead into the guideway station as the vehicle engages with the wide-gauge section of throughway track initially in parallel with the narrow-gauge track, the wide-gauge track ascending to remove the vehicle from the main rail line. Bypassing the guideway station involves continuing engagement of the variable gauge wheels with the narrow-gauge track.

Abstract: A method for implementing an overhead rail guided transport system includes the following steps: a vehicle transport system is provided, which includes an upper rail guided transport system, a lower rail guided transport system, a vehicle exchange equipment, and a plurality of vehicles operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport system; respective vehicle utilizing rates in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems are provided; the vehicle exchange equipment is used to interchange the vehicles respectively operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems in order to equilibrate the respective vehicle utilizing rates.

Abstract: In an example implementation, an autonomous vehicle is configured to detect closures and lane shifts in a lane of travel. The vehicle is configured to operate in an autonomous mode and determine a presence of an obstacle substantially positioned in a lane of travel of the vehicle using a sensor. The lane of travel has a first side, a second side, and a center, and the obstacle is substantially positioned on the first side. The autonomous vehicle includes a computer system. The computer system determines a lateral distance between the obstacle and the center, compares the lateral distance to a pre-determined threshold, and provides instructions to control the autonomous vehicle based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention is for a support sleeve for a riser supporting an elevated toy vehicle trackway above a surface, the sleeve comprising a first end, a second end having an open end, one or more walls extending between the first end and second end, wherein the one or more walls define a hollow interior for supporting the riser, and one or more supports extending outwardly from the perimeter of the first end. The one or more supports form a shoulder extending outwardly from the first end, wherein the shoulder encircles the perimeter of the first end. The present invention further provides a method of stabilizing one or more toy vehicle tracks mounted on one or more track risers, comprising inserting a first track riser within a hollow support sleeve having a top end and a base end, the base end having one or more outwardly projecting supports.

Abstract: The invention is a method of manufacturing elevated rail segments and an elevated rail system including those rail segments. Features of the elevated rail system include pivot points between the track and vertical supports elevating the rail system, eccentric bolt and washer assemblies that allow precise vertical and horizontal adjustment of the vertical supports and threaded bolts that allow precise micro-adjustment of height of the track above the concrete foundations.

Abstract: The invention is an elevated rail system and reaction assembly. Features of the elevated rail system include pivot points between the track and vertical supports elevating the rail system, eccentric bolt and washer assemblies that allow precise vertical and horizontal adjustment of the vertical supports and threaded bolts that allow precise micro-adjustment of height of the track above the concrete foundations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transportation system with integrated infrastructure. In one embodiment, this infrastructure takes the form of a hollow elevated load bearing guideway structure designed to support the weight of traveling vehicles. The structure supports a backbone beam, or rail, that has multiple functions. These functions may include vehicle control, security, and energy delivery. The structure is bimodal meaning vehicles can have wheels like cars or steel rimmed wheels like a train or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A coaster according to the invention includes a track (10) and a vehicle (20). The track (10) includes a first support rail (11) and a second support rail (12). The first support rail (11) and the second support rail (12) are disposed vertically below the passenger receiver of the vehicle (20). Each of the bogies (23) and (24) includes a plurality of first rollers (25) and second rollers (26), wherein the second rollers (26) contact the second support rail (12) and prevent a lateral tilting of the vehicle relative to the plane (E) defined by the first support rail (11) and the second support rail (12). The first support element (11) and the second support element (12) are configured tubular.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to an elevated track to support and serve the pneumatic propulsion duct for transportation vehicles, for cargo or passengers. The improved elevated track is modular and self supporting and consists of a pneumatic propulsion central duct (1) on whose vertical walls (11) are fastened side walkways (2). The propulsion duct (1) has structural reinforcing (12) in the form of transverse frames on the duct axis. The side walkways (2) have transverse reinforcement (21) which unify with the duct reinforcing frames (12). On the propulsion duct (1) top edges (13) are fastened rails (3) in an “I” beam format, traditionally used on railroads. A preferred transverse section of the propulsion duct (1) is rectangular, this having a central slot (14) on the top surface (13) for the passage of the vehicle propulsion system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic levitation train, comprising a track system formed of track system carriers (2) and a vehicle (1) having at least one first magnetic system (7), which together with stator packs (4) mounted on the track system forms a long stator linear motor and during operation is disposed at a distance from the stator packs (4) by a small carrying gap. According to the invention, first sound damping bodies (14) are disposed on the carriers (2) in a space which is located between the carrier (2) and the magnetic system (7) and the carrying gap when a vehicle (1) passes. In addition, second sound damping bodies (15) are provided on the vehicle (1) on the side of the magnetic system (7) facing away from the carrier (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transitional mode high speed rail system. The high speed rail infrastructure employed by the system is constructed adjacent a conventional host highway. The infrastructure can be provided adjacent to acceleration/deceleration lanes, or emergency parking/paved shoulder lanes. The vehicles used by the system are individual, self-powered, self-operating, individual mass passenger transport vehicles similar in size and appearance to municipal buses. These are transitional mode vehicles because they operate as railroad vehicles on the high speed rail infrastructure, but transition to automotive vehicle mode traveling on ordinary paved roads. They are mass passenger transport vehicles because many passengers can be accommodated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transportation system with integrated infrastructure. In one embodiment, this infrastructure takes the form of a hollow elevated load bearing guideway structure designed to support the weight of traveling vehicles. The structure supports a backbone beam, or rail, that has multiple functions. These functions may include vehicle control, security, and energy delivery. The structure is bimodal meaning vehicles can have wheels like cars or steel rimmed wheels like a train or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid track comprising a concrete strip on a supporting structure that consists of individual, successively arranged segments (2) and comprising rails (6) for a rail-guided vehicle that are located on the concrete strip. The concrete strip is continuous and spans the individual segments (2) and an anti-friction layer (10) is located between the concrete strip and the segments (2). The solid track according to the invention is characterized in that the concrete strip is a profiled concrete strip (7), in which the course of the solid track in terms of curvature and lateral inclination are reflected and in that in the region of adjacent end faces (13) of two neighboring segments (2), the track is equipped with a device (200) that spans both end faces (13) and absorbs any alteration in the position of the adjacent end faces (13).

Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a span (2) for railway tracks with a self-supporting U-shaped structure (3), defining a section of the path for a piece of rolling stock (1), travelling on the railway track and at least one further element (6, 10, 11, 14) for the travel of the rolling stock (1) on the railway track and which can support, guide and/or supply the rolling stock (1). According to the invention, at least one (6) of the additional elements (6, 10, 11, 14) is directly integrated in the U-shaped element (3).

Abstract: The invention is an elevated rail system and reaction assembly. Features of the elevated rail system include pivot points between the track and vertical supports elevating the rail system, eccentric bolt and washer assemblies that allow precise vertical and horizontal adjustment of the vertical supports and threaded bolts that allow precise micro-adjustment of height of the track above the concrete foundations.

Abstract: An installation for carrying individuals down from a mountain station into a valley station has a running rail which is fastened on a supporting cable at a distance from the ground. The running rail contains a multiplicity of sub-rails connected to one another at joints and along which carriages can be displaced. In the region of the joints, the sub-rails are elevated in relation to their central region, and are preferably curved such that their curvature profile creates the elevation.

Abstract: A trestle support apparatus for use with a model track assembly is provided. The model track assembly includes track sections and trestles of a first configuration and separate track sections and trestles of a second configuration. The trestle support apparatus includes an elongated base including an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base.

Abstract: The invention is hollow structural members, a rail system based thereon and method of manufacturing such hollow structural members. Embodiments of the structural members may be hollow triangular prism-shaped with a cross-section that is triangular, isosceles, hexagonal or otherwise. Embodiments of rail systems based on hollow structural members are also disclosed. Embodiments of the rail systems disclosed herein may also include reaction assemblies for local dissipation of stresses due to thermal expansion of track materials.

Abstract: An insulating support for a ground electrical power supply track is provided. The insulating support is intended for a terrestrial transport system, in particular of the tramway type, and is in the form of a profile-member of insulating material which includes a substantially planar upper face intended to receive elements of the electrical power supply track and a planar lower face intended to be supported directly or indirectly on the ground. The profile-member is provided with a longitudinal groove is arranged on the upper face in order to receive a conductive track element. The profile member is also provided with a web which connects the upper face to the lower face. At least one longitudinal supply conduit intended to receive a supply line of the network extends through the web. The groove and each supply conduit are arranged centrally and symmetrically about a longitudinal center plane of the support perpendicular relative to the upper face.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a vehicle having wings, a propulsion system, a lifting gear coupling the vehicle to an undercarriage, and a guidance assembly movably connecting the undercarriage to guide rails. The wings generate aerodynamic lift when the vehicle exceeds a first speed. The lifting gear supports a load of the vehicle in a first position in relation to the undercarriage when the vehicle travels at less than the first speed, allows the vehicle to lift to a second position in relation to the undercarriage as the vehicle accelerates beyond the first speed, and maintains the vehicle in the second position when the vehicle exceeds the first speed. The guidance assembly shiftingly engages the guide rails through rollers that are in rolling contact with the guide rails when the vehicle is in the first position and are displaced from the guide rails when the vehicle is in the second position.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an elevated transportation network run on electricity with personalized cars that can automatically transport passengers anywhere in a large city or densely populated metropolitan area served by the system without stopping on the way to the final destination. The cars travel on two continuous concrete ribbons with no bumps or cutouts crossing the tire path during switching or on the straight away. The travel path is a combination of central routing and individual car communications with car automatic steering and distance control. The personalized transportation concept can also apply to high speed intercity transportation allowing instant available transportation without intermediate time consuming stops.

Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: The Two and Three Level Elevated Train System has multiple rails, and therefore multiple trains, are accommodated by a series of elevated structures somewhat similar to the towers of cable-stayed bridges. These elevated structures are “A”-shaped, with two deep-foundation legs set approximately fifty to eighty feet apart. A vertical space of approximately twenty feet is open beneath the structures, such that the tower supports could be built over existing roadways and require relatively little clearing and disturbance of the landscape. The tower supports rise to a vertical height of approximately fifty to sixty feet. The tower supports accommodate rails on two levels, and are configured with two trains on the top level and three trains on the lower level, or one train on the upper level and two trains on the lower level.

Abstract: A tram has a lead vehicle and one or more trailing vehicles coupled to it. Each vehicle has sets of front and rear wheels, both sets being steerable independently of the other. A manual controller provides signals to a processor in the lead vehicle, which in turn steers the front and rear wheels along a desired path. A processor on the first trailing vehicle controls front and rear servos to steer its wheels according to the path of the rear wheels of the leading vehicle. The second trailing vehicle has a processor that steers its front and rear wheels according to information provided by the first leading vehicle. Steering sensors on the vehicles sense distance to a steering rail while the vehicles are on a guideway and provide signals to the processors for automatic steering. While on a guideway, the tram uses power collectors to transfer power from the guideway.

Abstract: An individual transportation system (10) includes a track system (12), including a primary track section (14), a switching track section (16) and loading/unloading section (18). The transportation system (10) additionally includes a plurality of carriages (20) supported by the track system (12), and a plurality of underslung passenger vehicles (22) each matably engageable with one of the carriages, and adapted to hold at least one passenger therein. The transportation system (10) further includes a storage facility (24) for storing the vehicles (22) when they are disengaged from the carriage, whereby a carriage and vehicle combination traveling on the primary track can be switched between primary track section (14) via an associated switching track section (16), and can be switched to the loading/unloading track (18), wherein the vehicle may be disengaged from carriage (20) and stored in the storage facility (24).