Final answer:
The maximum acceleration of the passengers during this motion is 0.296 m/s^2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum acceleration of the passengers in this case can be determined using the formula for simple harmonic motion:
a_max = (2π/T)^2 * A
Where a_max is the maximum acceleration, T is the period of motion, and A is the amplitude of motion.
Plugging in the values given, we have: a_max = (2π/18)^2 * 1.5 = 0.296 m/s^2.