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Compact Tunnel Boring Machines Are Major Players in North America
- curtis 10y agoI have been wondering if running smaller trains through smaller tunnels might be a more cost-effective way of implementing mass transit, at least in some cases. Clearly the tunneling technology exists. I'm still looking for information about the cost-per-mile, though.
- Someone 10y agoLess wide tracks = less comfort and less stability, as the trains will tilt left and right more rapidly. Because passengers still would need to walk along the train, and that gangway is sized to accommodate humans with their luggage, you also would have fewer seats per square meter, or require way more doors per carriage.
- jaclaz 10y agoThe subways of Tolouse (France) and Turin (Italy), and several others, are based on that concept, JFYI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turin_Metro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turin_Metro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toulouse_Metro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toulouse_Metro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toulouse_Metro#Technology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toulouse_Metro#Technology They use a VAL kind of train: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Véhicule_Automatique_Léger https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Véhicule_Automatique_Léger The excavation diameter for the tunnel is (one track) typically 5.3 m and 7.7 m (two tracks), the net diameter inside is smaller of course, depending on the thickness of the concrete lining, usually 4.5 and 6.7 m, respectively. Cars are 2.06 m wide and of course tall enough for a standing person (+undercarriage) 3.25 m, there is not much you can do to further reduce their size.
- Gravityloss 10y agoI think in addition to the practical person x distance / time etc, we should look at transportation systems as part of life, culture and the city. Alternatives like trams might have a lot more other value to people.