A typical minor's cage travels at no more than 0.5 m/s = 100 ft/min.
1,100 ft/min = 5.6 m/s is achievable with constrained mechanical systems. Usual maximum speed for most mechanical systems is somewhere between 1 and 3 m/s, as those are the speeds where a number of important mechanical effects come into play (including bearing life span, friction problems, air/wind resistance, turbulent flow, lubrication requirements, etc.).
Note sure I would want to be in anything moving that fast however. Are you sure your friend did not confuse the people elevator with a cargo transport system? or an electric vehicle?
1,100 ft/min = 5.6 m/s is achievable with constrained mechanical systems. Usual maximum speed for most mechanical systems is somewhere between 1 and 3 m/s, as those are the speeds where a number of important mechanical effects come into play (including bearing life span, friction problems, air/wind resistance, turbulent flow, lubrication requirements, etc.).
Note sure I would want to be in anything moving that fast however. Are you sure your friend did not confuse the people elevator with a cargo transport system? or an electric vehicle?