(I) A maglev train might seem mysterious in action, but
the concept is easy to understand. (II) Magnets in the
track are activated by the motion of the train and then
are deactivated as soon as the train is gone. (III) While
the concept has been applied to trains, right now its
application to ships is still theoretical. (IV) Magnets on
the bottom of the train and magnets on the track repel
each other and the train rises a few inches above the
track; individual magnetic fields of the guideway propel
the train forward. (V) Maglev trains travel at nearly twice
the speed of conventional trains, use less energy, and
cost less to maintain and run  partly because their
operating mechanism involves almost no friction