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
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
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.