Aspects of using ground and above-ground transport for urban passenger transportation

Abstract

Abstract A need for having high-speed and cost-effective transportation systems in large cities is substantiated. A potential dramatic decrease in power consumed by public and private transport means in large cities is outlined due to reducing the number of transport means per citizen. It is established that the risk of fatal outcome is much higher for road accidents involving automobiles than for road accidents involving alternative types of transport. Above-ground transport means allowing increasing passenger transportation safety and significantly reducing power consumption are listed as a group of innovative transport technologies. Cable and light-weight overhead road or string types of above-ground transport are distinguished as the most promising. A comparative analysis of transportation systems, most popular in large cities, is given comprising the subway, monorail, high-speed tram, tram, trolleybus, bus, cable car, and string transport, using three technical and economic parameters: costs for the construction of one km of a transportation system line, average speed of transport means and specific reduced power consumption. Specifics in applying light-weight overhead road transport (also referred to as string transport) are outlined. Currently, this type of transport is at the design stage, i.e. it is not as developed as other types of transport featuring greater or lesser implementation degree. According to development engineers, string transport rails will have a bunch of stressed steel wires or carbon fibers in the cross-section. In order to implement the principle of gravity energy recovery, claimed by developers of string transport, anchor supports-stations in string transportation systems should be located at a significant height, thus, increasing construction costs. Average speeds for string transport modules are established based on the gravity energy recovery principle. Graphic images are plotted for transportation system indicators. Potential advantages and disadvantages of cable and string transport are examined. A conclusion is made that, under modern conditions, limited construction of cable and light-weight overhead transportation lines to supplement and duplicate the existing roads in large cities is expedient.