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 sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
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.