Quote:
Originally Posted by Razqal
i have a question: is the track width of the neihu/muzha line physically narrower than the track width of the other heavy capacity lines? cuz if they are the same width cant they eventually get bigger heavy capacity cars for the muzha/neihu lines?
and why did they build a light rail line for neihu/muzha lines anyway, especially for the neihu section? dont they expect increased passenger ridership? i think this is really shortsighted planning.
|
The track width of neihu/muzha line is narrower than the other heavy metro lines in Taipei. Also, it is a different system so you cannont simply re-do the tracks and order the big cars.
They built a light rail line at first because they had chosen Matra's (french company) VAL technology back in 90's (1996 was the year when it was completed). It was more like a demonstration line and they realized the capacity was not enough for the overall ridership. (couldn't build a heavy metro line due to lack of funding...it was orignially going to open in 1991 and delayed till 1996) That's why only this line is a light rail. All the rest of the lines built afterwards used the Japanese conventional metro system...by the company called K..something.
Also, Matra's VAL or the alternative contractor Bombardier (who does the same technology - ALRT or Avanced Light Rapid Transit to be specific)...are both fully automated. Driverless as opposed to drivers-needed conventional metros.
The reason for neihu line to be light rail is because it is simply an extension for muzha line.
It should be simply known as the BROWN LINE. Only that Bombardier did the neihu line.
Still...bravo for Bombardier!