Developing Metros 

Abstract: Methods of handling the problem of severe overcrowding on commuter trains are addressed. Some alternatives are to have trains run on a skip-stop operation which will allow some trains to miss alternating or less popular stops increasing waiting time for some short distance travelers, but making the overall trip quicker and less congested, build a second platform which will allow passengers to disembark on one platform while others are boarding from the other side, have platforms built so that passengers are spread out along the length of the train instead of concentrated in the front or at certain cars, and connecting pairs of termini with a line across the center of the city.

Abstract: Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has demonstrated the effectiveness of fully-air-conditioned, high-speed rapid transit in some of the world's most heavily populated urban districts. MTR opened its first line in 1980 ahead of schedule and under budget. This was repeated in 1982 with the second line. Opened in May 1985 was the so-called Island Line that involved tunneling through all types of ground conditions and beneath roads and buildings. Narrow streets prevented cut-and-cover station construction and elsewhere a variety of tunneling techniques had to be used. The project management methods are also described, along with revenue collection and crime prevention. The project is privately financed and up to 10 percent of the cost is generated by joint development assessments.

Abstract: Lille Metro, the fully automated VAL urban transit system, has operated for 2 years and carried 40 million passengers. Operation of trains without personnel on board has caused no anxiety or reticience on the part of users. VAL got off to a troble-free start and has won the complete acceptance of Lille citizens. The second-stage, due for opening in 1989, will require a total fleet of 83 2-car trains. Rush-hour headway is now 1.5 min; off-peak the headway is 3 min and at night 5 min. The car fleet will be expanded in 1986 to permit 1-min headways during the peak. Full automation brings a radical change in the economics of rapid transit and achieves safety and availability equal or superior to the best conventional systems.

Abstract: The President of the New York City Transit Authority gives an inside look at the changes and future plans taking place to clean-up and enhance the entire New York City transit system. Beginning with the creation of a management structure working toward the good of the whole system through interdepartmental communications, to a graffiti clean-up program, to the ordering of new cars, rebuilding of existing cars, better training programs, and line extensions, this ambitious 10 year plan shows promise although it still has a long way to go towards making this, one of the largest metros in the world, a clean, safe and reliable system.