What is "railcab"

RailCab is a research project by the University of Paderborn, Germany. Its purpose is the examination of the use of linear engines for the propulsion of autonomous, rail mounted vehicles. Similar to the Transrapid the coaches are moved by linear motors, which have a very low need for maintenance. In contrast to Transrapid a magnetic field is only used for acceleration, the vehicles run on wheels on tracks. This concept allows for modification of existing conventional railway tracks.