CarTube
[Image © Wire Collective Ltd]
In December 2016, London-based practice PLP Architecture unveiled their concept design for CarTube.
The concept has been promoted as a ‘pioneering mobility solution’ which combines two existing modes of transport, automated electric cars and mass transit, into a single, seamless underground road system.
[Image © PLP Architecture]
CarTube uses a network of small bore tunnels to integrate existing motorways. A dynamic platoon system controls automated cars which circulate above and below ground, allowing them to move within milliseconds of one another.
Far greater capacity could be provided, in comparison with conventional public transport, by allowing cars to travel in a continuous flow at a steady speed without slowing down.
CarTube also permits direct travel without interchanging, replacing the stop-start model of current transportation with a fluid, integrated network.
[Image © PLP Architecture]
According to PLP’s research, CarTube will typically double transport capacity for the same investment as conventional mass transport and reduce travel time by 75%.
Users will be able to book a CarTube trip through their smartphones using either their own cars or public cars. The CarTube app will calculate a fare and an estimated arrival time based on an optimal route through the network. The whole journey will be point-to-point, without any transfers or stops.
[Image © PLP Architecture]
Lars Hesselgren, Director of Research at PLP, said:
“CarTube is a direct response to mass transit and traffic congestion in the world’s largest cities. Moving high-speed car traffic below ground will revolutionise our concept of the city, allowing our urban spaces to be designed not for cars, but for people. CarTube has the potential to be the next best thing to teleportation and will revolutionise exiting cities and allow for unprecedented urban forms.”
[Image © Wire Collective Ltd]
For more information, see Tired of the commute? It might be time to take cars underground.
Images and content courtesy of PLP Architecture.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Comments
This will not work because of these reasons, If there is a breakdown inside the tube the breakdown will cause a big traffic jam in the tunnel and it will be difficult to remove the car if needed, this is the same for a car crash.
Also if there is a crash the heat underground will eventually if not helped quick enough, there shall be a possibility of death. I may be wrong about all this but in London a tube broke down a few years back and the heat nearly killed the occupants of the underground train.