770 



RAPID-TRANSIT SUBWAYS IN METROPOLITAN CITIES. 



Ill the construction of the subways, phms much the same have been 

 followed everywhere. Where the road level is near the street level, 

 an open ditch was made, steel framework inserted, and the street pave- 

 ment replaced. Where this was impracticable, tunnels were dri^■en; 

 and in a few instances short viaducts were erected. The Budapest sub- 

 Avay is everyAvhere just below the street level, and consists of two par- 

 allel lines at the same level, separated only by steel pillars, station 

 platforms, or thin walls. The Paris subway likewise consists of two 

 parallel lines and alwaj'-s at the same level, except where one section 

 crosses another and a dip is made to avoid crossing at grade. Some 

 of the distance the lines run side by side in a single tunnel; in other 

 portions each line has a separate tunnel, uniting only at stations. 

 The Glasgow road consists of two distinct tunnels throughout, except 

 at stations, as is true of nearly all the Ijondon electric lines except the 

 Waterloo and City road, which has only one line almost all the way. 

 The Boston sub^^'av has from two to four lines, usually at the same 



Fig. 4.— Budapest stiitions. 



level, except Avhere it is necessary to raise or lower one to avoid grade 

 crossings. The New York line is the only one that has tracks for the 

 special purpose of running express trains ; and with the Central Lon- 

 don road is unique in raising its stations above the level of the road. 

 Each tram on its departure thus is accelerated by the force of 

 gravity, and as it approaches is checked by the same force. This will 

 greatly increase the rate of speed by reducing the time required for 

 stopping and starting. 



Most of the modern subways are adopting the American style of 

 car, with an entrance at each end, in place of the old-style compart- 

 ment coach. Even the London roads are nuiking the change, and the 

 Glasgow line introduced them at the start. The Paris car is a 

 liybrid, having two doors on each side, one set being used for entrance 

 and the other for exit. The train idea seems also to be s]n-eading, 

 as being more economical and bettei- adapted to handling large 

 crowds. 



