An elevator system includes a first propulsion system for imparting linear motion to an elevator car. The elevator system includes a controller generating control signals for the first propulsion system. The elevator system includes a brake for holding the elevator car. The elevator system includes an energy storage unit. The elevator system includes a second propulsion system. The controller is configured to at least one of (i) access the energy storage unit to power at least one of the first propulsion system and second propulsion system upon a fault during upward travel of the elevator car (ii) power the second propulsion system upon a fault in the first propulsion system during upward travel of the elevator car and (iii) delay applying the brake until the elevator car speed is less than a threshold upon a fault during upward travel of the elevator car.