London Underground’s Circle Line could be remade into a 17-mile-long moving sidewalk.
Dezeen reports that architecture firm NBBJ pitched a concept where the train service would be removed and three sets of "travelators," as they are called, would be installed. The walkways would run next to each other and operate at three speeds, from the low speed of 3 to 9 mph to the maximum speed of 15 mph.
NBBJ said that the plan would make transportation faster by eliminating the need to stop at stations.
The 36-station Circle carries 114 million passengers annually and has been in operation since 1863. The line runs in both directions around a loop around central London, with an extension that juts off the circuit.
The Daily Mail writes that the Circle Line has some issues. It can only hold up to eight trains at a time, and trains can only reach a top speed of 20 mph. In ideal conditions, trains complete the loop in an hour, but because of the system’s age and the amount of rider congestion, delays are frequent.
With the travelator, walking at a 3 mph clip at the 15 mph top speed will get a commuter around the loop in just 56 minutes. The walkways could hold up to 55,000 people at once.
Wired reports that all practical considerations, like price, construction, and energy usage, have yet to be determined.
Related Stories
Transit Facilities | Sep 30, 2016
Five finalists revealed for NY Port Authority Bus Terminal redesign project
The public will now judge the five proposals by providing comments and feedback.
Transit Facilities | Sep 29, 2016
Greenbuild to showcase an infrastructure project for the first time
Skanska-built light-rail extension in Los Angeles achieves Envision’s highest recognition.
Office Buildings | Sep 20, 2016
Sterling Bay proposes SOM-designed office tower near Chicago’s newly opened Transit Center at Union Station
The building is one of several projects that are filling this developer’s plate in this city.
| Sep 1, 2016
TRANSIT GIANTS: A ranking of the nation's top transit sector design and construction firms
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Perkins+Will, Skanska USA, Webcor Builders, Jacobs, and STV top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest transit sector AEC firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
Transit Facilities | Jul 13, 2016
Arup chosen to lead renovations of Chicago’s Union Station
The third-busiest station in the country needs more space.
Resort Design | Jul 11, 2016
Broadway Malyan designs Miami terminal for Royal Caribbean Cruises
The $100 million “Crown of Miami” will provide visitors panoramic views, and it will glow at night.
Transit Facilities | Jul 8, 2016
Perkins Eastman designs Open Transit concept for Denver’s Civic Center Station
Renovations to a 30-year-old bus transit hub will improve commutes and lure visitors.
Sponsored | Transit Facilities | Jun 13, 2016
HRT Transit Center: The Ambience of a Park in an Efficient Bus Terminal
Whether building architecture or catching a bus, everyone’s happy when things run right on schedule.
Transit Facilities | Jun 12, 2016
Philippines’ oldest city getting its first public bus system
New York-based CAZA designed the modular bus stops with the city’s extreme weather conditions in mind.
Transit Facilities | May 20, 2016
Saudi Arabia capital city Riyadh is building a massive public transit system
More than 110 miles of track will connect 85 stations over six lines. The cars can reach speeds up to 90 mph, and Zaha Hadid Architects designed one of the train depots.