The paper reviews the main technical, operational and economic characteristics of Metro systems in operation or planning around the world and attempts to arrive at some conclusions about their future prospects. First, Metros are examined in their town planning context and their basic characteristics are correlated with some basic town planning elements such as population size and density. Whereas the existence of a Metro system can be correlated with the size of the population, no clear patterns can be detected as regards the density or the form of the urban area. Several other points are illustrated concerning, for example, integration with other modes of public transport and protection of the environment.
Secondly, a detailed presentation is made of collective statistics showing trends and tendencies around the world on network characteristics, rolling stock, ‘degree of sophistication’, various operational characteristics, as well as fare structures and economic performance of Metro systems worldwide.
Finally, prospects for the future of Metros are reviewed and it is stated that today these prospects are encouraging despite escalating costs of construction and operation. Approximately 60% of existing Metros have work in progress on new lines or extensions of old ones, while 22 cities are planning to start work on Metros for the first time. The elements in favour of Metros that appear to balance the high costs of construction are the need to protect the urban environment, and the increased demand for daily movements along densely populated corridors. Two tables give details about the characteristics of existing systems and plans for future construction. In the appendix, an example is given of the kind of analysis needed to establish the ‘Metro financing ability’ of nine selected countries.
Metropolitan railways: present characteristics and future prospects
Transport Reviews ; 1 , 1 ; 45-74
1981-01-01
30 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Unbekannt
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