Gravlevs

An evolution on the design of a maglev, the gravlev is the most energy-efficient form of long distance mass transit available to the people of Jana. The main point of divergence between a maglev and a gravlev is the use of magnets to levitate off the rails, as they instead achieve this through Hover Technology. The reason for this is to circumvent an issue that was plaguing maglevs regarding their mechanism for levitation, as magnetic leviation required either constant maintenance or an incapability to levitate at low speeds. Gravlevs are operated by conductors who are all fitted with special implants which allow them to operate the trains properly, even at subsonic speeds. As a precaution magnetic shielding is installed into all gravlevs, as the magnetic fields on the train would otherwise interfere with machines such as pacemakers and data storage devices. While used on both sides of the planet, gravlevs on Alhara and Albard have some differences between. This is both due to the differing environments found on the opposing sides as well as the storm border separating them, which neither variation can cross.

Within Alhara, gravlev tracks are found on the ground level in order to minimize infastructure costs for two main reasons. First being the lessened availability of resources on that side of the planet. Second, there are the constant dangers which make the tracks highly prone to getting damaged or destroyed, such as wandering Moldugas and bandit parties. Oftentimes though, the trains are in no real risk of harm due to their capability of achieving subsonic speeds - clocking up to around 1500 km/h¹ - quickly outpacing most potential threats. As protocol, a minimum safe distance is recommended before a train can go subsonic, as the resulting sonic boom is a public disturbance - this can be overrided by the conductor should they deem it appropriate. Outside of relying on speed, gravlevs are also installed with automated turrets in case a threat capable of keeping up with them appears. Gravlevs in Alhara - while still energy-efficient - are more costly to run than in Albard due to the increased energy output required from them when going subsonic. This is due to them being more affected by drag, which is the main contributor behind the energy costs of subsonic travel.

In comparison, the gravlevs in Albard run through partially evacuated² tunnels where the lessened air pressure results in lessened drag, making them simultaneously faster and less costly than their Alharan equivalents. These trains can go hypersonic, reaching speeds of up to 6000 km/h³, allowing them to bridge large distances in less time than it would take some airliners.