Why do some subway systems (e. g. Paris, Montreal, Mexico City) have rubber tires instead of steel wheels?
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For Paris, its because this technology was developed by the local operator (RATP) in the fifties. They wanted to reduce noise (important for aerial lines) but also increase capacity. Because rubber tires have more grip than steel wheels, it allows subways to accelerate and decelerate much faster. It also allows more important slopes and reduces vibrations.
However, it consumes more electricity on longer routes, generates heat and comes with a non negligible upfront adaption cost and increased fixed costs. So its not always as competitive as steel wheels (that also improved over time).
Now for other cities? Some were built by the RATP (Mexico & Montreal). Others for the above reasons. There are many different technologies, variations, from systems to systems.
For Paris, its because this technology was developed by the local operator (RATP) in the fifties. They wanted to reduce noise (important for aerial lines) but also increase capacity. Because rubber tires have more grip than steel wheels, it allows subways to accelerate and decelerate much faster. It also allows more important slopes and reduces vibrations.
However, it consumes more electricity on longer routes, generates heat and comes with a non negligible upfront adaption cost and increased fixed costs. So its not always as competitive as steel wheels (that also improved over time).
Now for other cities? Some were built by the RATP (Mexico & Montreal). Others for the above reasons. There are many different technologies, variations, from systems to systems.
Its cheap.
You just need a flat surface where tires can run on. The suspension is far simpler with rubber tires and also you can use existing truck workshopw to do maintenance on the tires.
Also some standards might not apply because of vehicle size, weight or technology. Which again saves cost.
It doesn’t really necessary provide a smoother ride as the vehicle is a bit less stable at higher speeds and the savings on the suspension show.
So overall.. simplicity, cost, weight savings etc.
See I always thought Paris was because they are so proud of the rubber tire being invented there and the rubber tire industry wanted to keep it’s power even in the metros.
Its cheap.
You just need a flat surface where tires can run on. The suspension is far simpler with rubber tires and also you can use existing truck workshopw to do maintenance on the tires.
Also some standards might not apply because of vehicle size, weight or technology. Which again saves cost.
It doesn’t really necessary provide a smoother ride as the vehicle is a bit less stable at higher speeds and the savings on the suspension show.
So overall.. simplicity, cost, weight savings etc.
See I always thought Paris was because they are so proud of the rubber tire being invented there and the rubber tire industry wanted to keep it’s power even in the metros.
Its cheap.
You just need a flat surface where tires can run on. The suspension is far simpler with rubber tires and also you can use existing truck workshopw to do maintenance on the tires.
Also some standards might not apply because of vehicle size, weight or technology. Which again saves cost.
It doesn’t really necessary provide a smoother ride as the vehicle is a bit less stable at higher speeds and the savings on the suspension show.
So overall.. simplicity, cost, weight savings etc.
See I always thought Paris was because they are so proud of the rubber tire being invented there and the rubber tire industry wanted to keep it’s power even in the metros.
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