An elevator system includes a lane and at least one rail extending along the lane. An elevator car is arranged in the lane and is operatively coupled to the at least one rail. The elevator car has a predetermined alignment relative to the at least one rail. A propulsion system is operatively connected between the elevator car and the at least one rail. A thrust and moment control system is operatively connected to the propulsion system. The thrust and moment control system selectively controls the propulsion system to substantially maintain the predetermined alignment of the elevator car relative to the at least one rail.