This depends on the speed of the system, but aerodynamic noise can be significant. The cable itself may radiate noise, too.
At the pylons the track is fixed to the pylon rather than resting on the suspension cable.
At higher speeds (say 30 mph) That will lead to 'bumps' when the train is changing from cable to fixed way, exposing the cables to sharp changes in stress, and the train will continually go up and down.
Overall, I don't want to be too much of a sceptic, let's see if this technology stands the test of actual use, in China or elsewhere. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
It seems that some of this is a FAQ, since on their site they say:
C) Pylons The Pylons support the Suspension Cables as the Suspension Cable is laid into the top saddle with some freedom of movement on rollers. Conversely, the lower saddles on the pylons are fundamentally a short segment of a fixed rail to hold down the cables which support the rails between pylons. The rail supporting cables are pre-loaded by the vertical hanger cables, which in the absence of a vehicle, keep the cable supported rail in an arch above the horizontal. The rail supporting cables remain uninterrupted at the saddles as they are placed underneath the fixed rail segment similarly to the manner described at the stations. The vehicles make a smooth transition through the tapered ends of these short segments of fixed rail on each side. The short fixed rail segments are pivoted at the center to adjust to asymmetrical loading, as when there is a vehicle on one side of the pylon and none on the other.
The Pylons support the Suspension Cables as the Suspension Cable is laid into the top saddle with some freedom of movement on rollers.
Conversely, the lower saddles on the pylons are fundamentally a short segment of a fixed rail to hold down the cables which support the rails between pylons. The rail supporting cables are pre-loaded by the vertical hanger cables, which in the absence of a vehicle, keep the cable supported rail in an arch above the horizontal. The rail supporting cables remain uninterrupted at the saddles as they are placed underneath the fixed rail segment similarly to the manner described at the stations. The vehicles make a smooth transition through the tapered ends of these short segments of fixed rail on each side. The short fixed rail segments are pivoted at the center to adjust to asymmetrical loading, as when there is a vehicle on one side of the pylon and none on the other.
I presume that all means something to someone who knows something about using suspension cable.
As you can see from the picture, there is a main suspension cable from which is suspended the two pairs of tracks resting on their supporting cables. I've been accused of being a Marxist, yet while Harpo's my favourite, it's Groucho I'm always quoting. Odd, that.
