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> Stations are close to surface, not a labyrinth of escalators to hell Seattle is building an extension to its light rail system partially above ground partial
by vineyardmike 4y ago
> Stations are close to surface, not a labyrinth of escalators to hell
Seattle is building an extension to its light rail system partially above ground partially below ground in many places. It chose to build like this intentionally. Not saying I agree with it but the reasoning:
You enter from any side of street and go to unified mezzanine level. From there you can go to both sides of tracks. This enables easier handicap/elevator access to relevant areas since You only need one elevator to street level. Additionally, no signage on street level to navigate to delay anyone. You enter the station (from anywhere) then figure it out inside without worrying about crossing street to find track.
- twobitshifter 4y agoThis is the most energy efficient layout. Gravity will slow trains uphill into the station and then give a boost downhill when leaving. It’s not always possible though.
- IIAOPSW 4y agoits only more efficient when more people are boarding than leaving.
- vineyardmike 4y agoSorry. It’s not a station that’s partially above and below. Some stations are above ground, some stations are below ground. All stations are three levels: ground + mezzanine + track. Seattle is very hilly so keeping the tracks at shallow grade changes causes the track to be above ground in some area and underground in others.