770 



RAPID-TRANSIT SUBWAYS IN METROPOLITAN CITIES. 



In the construction of the subways, pLms much the same have been 

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

 an oj^en ditch was made, steel framework inserted, and the street pave- 

 ment replaced. AVhere this was impracticable, tunnels were dri\en; 

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

 Avay is ever3'where just below the street level, and consists of two pai'- 

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

 platforms, or thin Avails. The I^aris subway likewise consists of two 

 parallel lines and always 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 b}^ 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 

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

 The Boston subway has from two to four lines, usually at the same 



Fig. 4.— Budapest stations. 



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

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

 sjDecial 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 train 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 making the change, and the 

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

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

 and the other for exit. The train idea seems also to be spreading, 

 as being more economical and better adapted to handling large 

 crowds. 



