London, Paris, Seoul Show Commuting Power of Fast Regional Rail
Cities like London, Paris, and Seoul are leading with fast regional rail systems. London's new line boosted ridership, Seoul reduced travel times, and Delhi is constructing a rapid system. These systems aim to enhance commuting efficiency and expand travel areas. The trend prompts questions about the US adopting similar systems.
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Cities like London, Paris, and Seoul are showcasing the power of fast regional rail systems for commuting. London's new transit line, introduced in 2022, attracted over half a million daily riders and boosted the UK's rail ridership above pre-pandemic levels. Seoul's high-speed subway has significantly reduced travel times from suburbs to the central business district. Delhi is also constructing a rapid regional rail system to allow passengers to travel 100 km across the city in just one hour. These systems, termed "rapid regional rail" by NYU finance professor Arpit Gupta, aim to enhance commuting efficiency in megalopolises by offering faster and more extensive services compared to traditional urban metros and suburban commuter rails. The goal is to reduce commute lengths, expand travel areas around cities, and increase their effective size. This trend raises the question of whether the US will adopt similar systems to improve urban transportation.
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11 commentsI've taken the RER A everyday for few years (both and after automation), and that frequency combined with its size still puts me in awe.
My usual connection with RER A, I arrive at the middle of the train platform, and my next connection is at the end of the train. Statistically I reach the end of the platform before the train arrives maybe 5% of the time?
The frequency is so high that it takes more time to get at the right place of the train than to wait.
It's almost at the level of "don't think of the train, just your walking route".
(I'm saying almost because incidents still happen, and RER A can still suffer of "trains are running slowly because they are overcrowded because trains are running slowly" negative feedback loops, though it's usually resolved within 15m)
As an engineering project Crossrail became famous for being repeatedly delayed (eventually opening four years late) and many billions over budget.
Since opening the Elizabeth Line has been beset by high numbers of service cancellations and poor punctuality (usually blamed on having to share track outside the central tunnel section with other operators).
https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/go-expans...
Fare integration is another important piece— being able to jump on the GO to get out to a far-flung subway station like Main or Dundas West and continue your trip from there is a really nice prospect, but having pay separately for it kind of kills the vibe.
> An Elizabeth Line train at the Shenfield station west of London.
Shenfield is east of London!
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