So off to Wikipedia: Maglev

The German system uses regular magnets and a battery system to supply attractive levitation even when stopped. This requires the train to wrap around the guideway and to have a gap of only 1.5 cm.

The Japanese system does rely on motion for levitation by repulsion, but can float at a much larger gap. It requires wheels for landing and provision for landing at any point along the guideway.

"The [German] accident was caused by human error; charges were brought against three Transrapid employees after a year-long investigation." The train ran into a maintenance vehicle.

None of this is to argue that maglevs are economical for any but the most limited situations.