Magways

A fairly recent invention of trains that quickly replaced the subways, Magways are trains that rely on both an artificial vacuum and magnetic forces to move trains incredibly fast. They have quickly spread across all the Elemental world, but their use differs. Some, like the Fire Elementals prefer to only use the trains within their own cities. Others, like the Lightning Elementals use them to cross both large spaces of wilderness between their cities, and to cross underneath the ocean between the islands that make up their territory.

Technology

Magways are large underground tubes that have been evacuated to become a vacuum. Inside the tube, the magtrain magnetic hovers off of the magnetically charged bottom. This reduces air resistance, and friction on the rails to allow the train to go upwards of 6,400 km/h. These speeds are generally only reached when travelling across large open areas, such as the aforementioned ocean crossings.

As the vacuum of the tube must be maintained, the tube has openings that meet up with the train to form an airlock at the access points to the train. This means the trains must only stop at designated points at the stations, so the brakes of the train are automated for this purpose.

Safety

Safety is the priority on Magways, at least one would hope so. The train's acceleration and deceleration can vary with how fast of a speed the train gets up to on it routes, so no passengers are permitted to stand while the train is in motion. Often this leads to Local Forces Members place on each car to make sure that everyone follows the rules. If all the seats on a train car are taken, then any extras are told to exit back to the station. What happens to those that refuse to comply differs among the Elementals. Don't try to argue with a Firen Forces member.

In the case of a crash, because of the magnets failing, there are various crumple zones along the cars to try and help passengers. In longer distance travel, these crashes are more deadly. If the vacuum were to fail partway through a trip, there is a chance that the train would run into enough air resistance to start to produce heat. This could damage the train, and as such there is an outer layer of silver-Gold alloy on the outer layer of the train cars.

Popularity

Magways became increasing popular as it became clear that they were fast moving, and a lot more safe than travelling via dragon or walking. While it is unlikely that Magways would ever beat the portals formed by Enigma Crystals, the common person lacks access to portals for everyday trips. Especially for long distance trips, they allow those that don't want the chance of running/flying straight into a horde of Ravagers the chance to move long distances.

The only hesitation about Magways comes more from the Militaries, as the Magways that go past the walls of major cities provides an access point for any Ravagers that gets around the other defences. While these complaints usually get ignored for better movement of people between cities, the Fires have ignored any pressure to follow suit.