Rapid transit

What is Rapid Transit?

Rapid transit, or mass rapid transit (MRT), is like the backbone of urban transportation systems, designed to carry large numbers of people efficiently through busy cities. It’s a high-capacity public transport system that can be found underground or elevated, with exclusive right-of-way that ensures smooth and uninterrupted travel.

History and Evolution

The world’s first rapid transit system was the Metropolitan Railway in London, which opened way back in 1863 using steam locomotives. Since then, technology has advanced significantly, with modern services now utilizing electric multiple units on railway tracks, guided rubber tires, magnetic levitation, or even monorail systems.

Terminology and Usage

The term ‘Metro’ is commonly used for underground rapid transit systems, while elevated systems are referred to as ‘elevated’ or ‘skytrain.’ Europe uses various terms such as ‘subway,’ ‘tube,’ and ‘metro,’ depending on the country. For instance, in France and Spain, you might hear ‘metro’ or ‘metropolitana,’ whereas in Germany and Austria, it’s often called ‘U-Bahn.’

Global Rapid Transit Systems

The world’s busiest rapid transit systems are the Shanghai Metro, Tokyo subway system, Seoul Metro, and Moscow Metro. These systems not only handle millions of passengers daily but also serve as a symbol of urban development and modernity.

Diverse Terminologies Across the Globe

Terminology for rapid transit systems varies widely across different regions:

• Italian cities: U-Bahn (Germany and Austria), métro (Switzerland)
• Central Europe: metro (Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland), U-Bahn (Austria)
• Eastern Europe: mietrapaliten (Belarus), metropoliten (Russia, Ukraine), metro (Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Azerbaijan)
• Northern Europe: metro (Denmark, Finland), T-bane (Norway), tunnelbana (Sweden)
• North America: Metro (USA and Canada), El (Philadelphia), Subway (Boston, New York City, Toronto), L (Chicago), The T (Boston), MARTA (Atlanta), BART (San Francisco Bay Area)

Asia’s Rapid Transit Systems

In Asia, rapid transit systems are referred to by different names:

• Southeast Asia: MRT (varies by country)
• Taiwan: Mass Rapid Transit
• Indonesia: Moda Raya Terpadu (Integrated Mass Transit Mode)
• Philippines: Metro Rail Transit
• Metropolitan Rapid Transit

Topologies and Operations

The topology of a rapid transit system is influenced by geographical barriers, travel patterns, construction costs, politics, and historical constraints. Ring lines provide good coverage, while a rough grid pattern offers a wide variety of routes.

Line Characteristics

Rapid transit systems consist of one or more lines, each with its own specific route that stops at all or some stations along the line. Some lines share track or operate on separate right-of-way, often with branches in the suburbs for higher service frequency.

Operational Features

The capacity of a line is determined by car capacity, train length, and service frequency. Heavy rapid transit trains can have six to twelve cars, with capacities ranging from 100 to 150 passengers per car. The minimum time interval between trains is shorter for rapid transit than mainline railways.

Technology and Safety

The technology used in public transportation has changed over time, with high-capacity monorails and light metros being subclasses of rapid transit systems. Monorails are used in Chongqing and São Paulo, while light metros often serve feeder lines into main rapid transit systems.

Operational Advancements

Rapid transit operators now use technology to present information to users, including online maps, timetables, and real-time updates. Some subway systems, such as the Beijing Subway, incorporate advanced security measures like airport-style checkpoints at every station.

Security Measures

Rapid transit systems have been subject to terrorism, including the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack and the London Underground bombings. Some rapid transport trains have added features like wall sockets, Wi-Fi, and mobile phone reception.

Construction and Operation

The technology used in public transportation has changed over time, with high-capacity monorails and light metros being subclasses of rapid transit systems. Monorails are used in Chongqing and São Paulo, while light metros often serve feeder lines into main rapid transit systems.

Construction Methods

Tunnel construction methods include cut-and-cover tunnels, tunnel-boring machines, and other specialized techniques to minimize construction costs and relocate utilities. The structures are typically made of concrete with steel columns in older systems. Cut-and-cover construction can take long and often requires temporary roadbeds to avoid main street closures.

Modern Innovations

Some cities with steep hills incorporate mountain railway technologies, such as rack railways or funiculars, while elevated lines use monorails. Modern metro trains typically use electric power and overhead wires for traction power, allowing higher voltage supply.

Advantages and Challenges

The advantages of deep tunnels include dipping into basins-like profiles without high costs and gravity assisting trains during acceleration and braking. However, early tunneling machines couldn’t build large enough tunnels for conventional railway equipment, necessitating special low, round trains.

Elevated Railways

Elevated railways are cheaper and easier alternatives to underground tunnels or barriers. They can be used where digging is expensive due to water tables or other factors. Elevated guideways were popular around the beginning of the 20th century but fell out of favor until recently when they became trendy again, often combined with driverless systems.

Stations and Access

Stations serve as hubs for passengers and function as payment checkpoints and transfer points between modes of transport. Access to stations is provided through island- or side platforms, with some underground stations increasing overall transport time due to long escalator rides.

Crew Sizes and Automation

Crew sizes have decreased over time due to advancements in technology. Initially, at least two staff members were needed to operate each train, but the introduction of powered doors and computerized technologies led to single-person operation in many cities.

Automation Systems

Automated train control systems became available in the 1960s, with automatic train operation (ATO) allowing trains to start, accelerate, and stop automatically. The first metro line to use ATO was London’s Victoria line opened in 1968.

Driverless Train Operation

Semi-automatic train operation, where a crew member only closes doors at each station while the train moves automatically, has become widespread. Driverless train operation, also known as GoA 3, allows trains to operate completely automatically with no crew. When automation costs decreased, it became financially attractive for train operators.

Conclusion

Rapid transit systems are the lifeblood of urban areas, providing efficient and reliable transportation that connects people to their daily lives. From the first steam-hauled Metropolitan Railway in 1863 to today’s advanced automated systems, rapid transit has evolved significantly, shaping cities around the world.