How Elevated Rail Makes Cities Better
Summary
TLDRIn this video, the host passionately defends elevated trains, a mode of urban transit often criticized by certain urbanists. Contrary to the belief that elevated trains are detrimental to neighborhoods, the host argues that they are an efficient, affordable, and beneficial form of rapid transit. Highlighting examples from cities like Chicago, New York, and Berlin, the video showcases how elevated trains can enhance cityscapes, provide stunning views, and reduce traffic and emissions. The host also touches on the ease of construction and maintenance of elevated rail systems, making a compelling case for their adoption in urban planning.
Takeaways
- 🚝 The video advocates for the benefits of elevated trains, countering the notion that they are detrimental to urban environments.
- 🌆 Elevated trains are a common feature in cities worldwide, including historic ones like Paris and London.
- 🏙️ Despite initial resistance, people in cities like Paris and Berlin have come to appreciate and rely on their elevated rail systems.
- 🌉 The Stadtbahn in Berlin, built over 150 years ago, is highlighted as an example of how elevated rail can efficiently serve a city's transportation needs.
- 🏡 Elevated trains can be less intrusive and less noisy than cars, contrary to common complaints about their impact on neighborhoods.
- 🌿 Elevated rail can offer unique public spaces and greenways underneath, enhancing urban landscapes.
- 🌍 Elevated trains provide a perspective of the city that is not possible with underground transit, adding to the urban experience.
- 🚗 Elevated rail systems can be more cost-effective and quicker to build compared to underground systems, making them ideal for cities looking to rapidly expand their public transit.
- 🌐 The video suggests that elevated rail is particularly suited to cities with existing sprawl and infrastructure, like those in North America.
- 🔊 Modern elevated rail systems are designed to be quiet and unobtrusive, with minimal noise and vibration.
- 🌐 Elevated rail can be an adaptable and expandable solution for urban transit, allowing for easy maintenance and station upgrades.
Q & A
What is the main argument Reece makes about elevated trains?
-Reece argues that elevated trains are a beneficial technology for cities, providing affordable, rapid transit that isn't hidden away from people and can be one of the best things about a city.
Why does Reece disagree with the notion that elevated trains destroy neighborhoods?
-Reece disagrees because he believes that elevated trains are popular and integral parts of cities like Chicago and New York, and that removing them would be undesirable to residents.
What is the 'Stadtbahn' in Berlin and why is it significant?
-The 'Stadtbahn' is an elevated rail line in central Berlin that carries both the S-Bahn and regional trains. It is significant because it has been in use for over 150 years and allows hundreds of thousands of people to commute through the city center daily.
How does Reece describe the experience of riding an elevated train in comparison to being underground?
-Reece describes riding an elevated train as more pleasant than being underground because it allows for views of the sky, fresh air, and a unique perspective of the city that isn't replicable otherwise.
What are some of the benefits Reece lists for elevated rail systems?
-Reece lists benefits such as affordability, rapid transit, minimal noise pollution, the ability to add stations and maintenance easily, and the potential for transit-oriented development.
Why does Reece think elevated rail is particularly suitable for cities in North America?
-Reece thinks elevated rail is suitable for North American cities because they are often sprawled with large roads and highways, and elevated rail can be built quickly and inexpensively in these environments.
What is the significance of the Second Avenue in New York City in the context of this script?
-The Second Avenue in New York City is mentioned as an example of where New Yorkers would likely want to have elevated trains back, indicating a desire for more elevated rail infrastructure.
How does Reece address the concern that elevated trains are loud and disruptive?
-Reece addresses this by stating that modern elevated rail systems are quiet and unnoticeable, and that cars are generally louder and more constant sources of noise.
What is the role of elevated rail in transit-oriented development according to Reece?
-Reece suggests that elevated rail can directly link destinations with train stations through sky bridges, creating development that is not just transit-oriented but tied directly in with the transit.
How does Reece view the potential uses of space underneath elevated rail?
-Reece views the space underneath elevated rail as being versatile, with examples including tiny homes in Japan, restaurants in Europe, and greenways and walkways in various cities around the world.
What is Nebula, as mentioned in the script?
-Nebula is a streaming platform owned by Reece and his creator friends, featuring over 14,000 titles that can be watched ad-free, including exclusive and early access videos from various creators.
Outlines
🚝 The Appeal of Elevated Trains
The video script begins by addressing the misconceptions about elevated trains, often criticized for being unsightly and disruptive. The speaker, Reece, passionately defends their role in cities like Chicago and New York, highlighting their historical and practical significance. He argues that elevated trains are not only popular but also integral to the identity of these cities. Reece then shifts the discussion to the modern benefits of elevated rail, emphasizing its affordability, rapid transit capabilities, and the unique views it offers to residents and visitors alike. He uses the Stadtbahn in Berlin as a prime example, describing how it efficiently moves thousands of people daily through the city center, and how its presence enhances the urban landscape rather than detracts from it.
🌆 Elevated Rail: A City's Best View
In the second paragraph, Reece continues to extol the virtues of elevated rail, focusing on the unique perspective it offers riders. He suggests that elevated trains provide a superior view of the city, allowing passengers to see the urban landscape unfold in a way that's not possible with underground transit. Reece also dispels the myth that elevated trains are noisy, comparing them favorably to the constant drone of car traffic. He points out that modern elevated rail systems are quiet and unobtrusive, and that they can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing, adding a layer of dimensionality to the cityscape. He also touches on the versatility of the spaces beneath elevated rail, such as greenways, walkways, and public spaces, and the ease with which elevated rail can be expanded and maintained.
🏗️ Building Up, Not Out: The Efficiency of Elevated Rail
The final paragraph of the script discusses the practical advantages of constructing elevated rail systems. Reece points out that building elevated rail is quicker and less expensive than digging underground, making it an ideal solution for cities looking to rapidly expand their public transit networks. He notes that elevated rail is particularly suited to dense urban environments and can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure. Reece also mentions how elevated rail can serve as a catalyst for transit-oriented development, with examples from cities like Bangkok, Delhi, and Tokyo. He concludes by reiterating the benefits of elevated rail as a natural fit for urban environments, promoting affordability, connectivity, and innovation, and encourages viewers to consider its merits over traditional light rail systems.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Nebula
💡Elevated Trains
💡Urbanism
💡Stadtbahn
💡Transit Oriented Development
💡S-Bahn
💡Skytrain
💡Shinkansen
💡Viaduct
💡NIMBYism
💡Flood Protection
Highlights
Nebula is a thoughtful streaming service sponsored by the creator.
Critique of the 'small is beautiful' urbanism that opposes high-rise buildings and elevated trains.
Elevated trains are popular and beneficial contrary to some urbanist views.
Elevated trains are common globally, not just in gritty American cities.
Historic cities like Paris have embraced elevated rail despite initial NIMBYism.
The Stadtbahn in Berlin, over 150 years old, is a successful elevated rail example.
Elevated rail can reduce traffic and increase zero-emissions public transit.
Elevated rail provides iconic public spaces and economic opportunities under the tracks.
Elevated trains offer a pleasant travel experience with views and fresh air.
Elevated rail is comparable to ground-level rail in terms of noise and intrusion.
Elevated rail can serve as a reminder of efficient public transit options.
Elevated trains in Tokyo remind passengers of travel opportunities beyond the city.
Elevated trains provide unique city views that are hard to replicate.
Elevated rail can be a key part of a city's identity and visitor experience.
Elevated rail is quieter than cars and less intrusive.
Modern elevated rail systems are quiet, nimble, and sleek.
Elevated rail can add dimensionality and layers to a city's landscape.
Elevated rail viaducts can be designed to be attractive and functional.
Elevated rail provides opportunities for development underneath, like homes, restaurants, and greenways.
Elevated rail systems are adaptable, allowing for easy expansion and maintenance.
Elevated rail stations are easier and cheaper to expand compared to underground stations.
Elevated rail can be part of transit-oriented development, linking destinations directly to stations.
Elevated rail can provide flood protection in low-lying cities.
Elevated rail is quick and inexpensive to build, making it ideal for dense urban environments.
Elevated rail is an efficient solution for North American cities with sprawling infrastructure.
Elevated rail outperforms light rail in terms of speed and ridership.
Elevated rail is a fantastic technology for affordability, bringing people together, and enabling great ideas.
Nebula features exclusive and early access videos from urbanist creators.
Nebula offers a lifetime membership for a one-time payment of $300.
Transcripts
This video is sponsored by Nebula,
the thoughtful streaming service created by me and my creator friends.
Check out the link in the description or stay tuned to learn more.
There's a certain strain of urbanism which I've never aligned with.
It's the sort of small is beautiful worldview where any building over five stories is bad,
and the best part of the city is the park at the edge of the city,
which is by definition *not* city.
One thing that such people often don't like are elevated trains,
including a prominent urbanist who once quite famously said that they destroy neighbourhoods —
Something I took quite personally coming from Canada's own local elevated train town.
I think many of these attitudes are shaped by
an imagined version of Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City,
where the elevated trains serve only as a backdrop for scary 20th century crime movies
or as a way of portraying America's best cities as rundown towns.
Of course, if you ask the average Chicagoan
if they'd rather get rid of the elevated trains, they'd say no.
And the same thing is no doubt true for New York.
In fact, I'd say that New Yorkers would probably like to get some
of their elevated trains back, for example, on Second Avenue.
I mean, it's really hilarious. New York's second or third most popular
attraction is literally an old elevated rail line.
These things are very popular.
But I want to step back from the elevated trains of some of the world's greatest cities and talk
about what elevated rail is like today as well as in the past, what its benefits are,
and why we need to champion this obviously beneficial technology for more cities:
A technology that lets us build affordable
rapid transit quickly and that isn't hidden away from people.
Transit that can be one of the best things about
a city and which can provide residents an incredible view of their metropolis.
Let's talk about it.
Hey, I'm Reece and this is RMTransit, a channel about flying trains and why they're fantastic.
As you probably gleaned from the intro to this video,
elevated trains were certainly common in the past, and they're common today as well.
And while most people, especially in North America, associate the
idea of an elevated train with a certain gritty American metropolis like Chicago,
the truth is elevated trains can be found all around the world, including in historic cities.
From Paris, to Hamburg, and even places in London where
giant embankments elevated trains before the elevated steel structures of other cities,
elevated rail is common in cities around the world.
And while I am certain there was lots of NIMBYism when Paris
put up these steel viaducts that carry some of its metro lines a century ago,
I'm also certain that today there would be riots if they were ever slated for removal.
Elevated rail is visible.
People don't like change.
Change which is visible, is easily protested against.
I was actually inspired to make this video by the Stadtbahn in Berlin.
The Stadtbahn is an elevated rail line right through central Berlin
that carries both the S-Bahn and regional and intercity trains
through the centre of the city past some of the most iconic and historic locations.
It was built over 150 years ago.
From the Hauptbahnhof to Alexanderplatz.
The Stadtbahn lets hundreds of thousands of people
glide effortlessly through the centre of Berlin every single day.
And what's really stuck with me is that when I rode into the city on the train from
the airport and I passed buildings that were densely packed around the Stadtbahn
so often that I could often see into people's apartments where they were working at their desks,
they rarely even turned up to look at the train that was passing by.
Quite the opposite, Berlin would be way worse without the Stadtbahn.
There would be more traffic and less zero emissions public transit.
The city would also have less iconic public spaces and the city wouldn't
have any of the amazing restaurants and stores located under the elevated rail.
And I have to say, as much as I love underground rail,
including the other cross city S-Bahn in Berlin,
there's something so much more pleasant about being above the
ground and being able to see the sky and have fresh air and birds chirping
as you wait for your train in the old historic structures of the Stadtbahn.
Of course, it's worth noting that elevated trains aren't actually
all that different from those at ground level.
So often when ground level rail lines need to cross through a city,
they're on embankments or they are elevated above roads and they end up being elevated anyways.
At the same time, in most urban environments,
rail lines are surrounded by development, vegetation and other things
which mean that you often don't see or hear them unless you actually want to use them.
But we shouldn't have to pretend that public transit needs to be
hidden away because elevated rail is great in so many different ways.
Particularly along roadways, elevated rail is a fantastic way of reminding everyone,
including those who aren't even driving,
that they could be getting to their destination
faster and for less money if they got on the train.
In Tokyo, you even get reminded that you could head to any of Japan's other
great places if you hopped on one of the elevated
high speed Shinkansen trains that weave their way through the city.
I'll also just say as a public transit rider
who's clocked hundreds of thousands of kilometres on trains all over the world,
being below ground is always going to be worse than being above ground,
where you can see out the windows as the city passes by.
And being elevated above the ground is even better because you get a
view of the city that you can't really replicate any other way.
In any of the cities I've mentioned in this video, one of the best ways a visitor can
see and understand the city is just to get on one of the elevated trains and ride around.
I'd even argue that in my hometown of Vancouver,
one of the most incredible experiences you can have is riding the Skytrain,
looking from the ocean to the mountains as you weave along the hills of Metro Vancouver.
It's a special experience that wouldn't be possible if the train was buried in the bedrock.
Back to Berlin, I’ll note that since the Stadtbahn isn't a giant steel structure,
it doesn't have the effect of acting like a giant tuning fork,
amplifying the sound of every train that flies over it.
You truly hear less from an elevated train,
possibly carrying 1000 people travelling overhead, than one jerk in a loud car.
People so often complain or ask questions about trains being loud,
but the reality is there's just not that much to make noise compared to cars.
For one, on any busy road, car traffic is going to be nearly constant.
You're always going to have the drum of cars rolling by.
But train corridors, even frequent ones, have much less time where trains are actually passing you.
At the same time, trains just have less to make noise.
While a car has its rubber tires and its big engine, a train has steel wheels which
minimize friction and noise, as well as electric motors that quietly hum along.
It's also worth pointing out that modern elevated rail systems, which aren't prone to being nearly
as rickety or vibration laden as those of old, are totally quiet and often unnoticeable.
A modern elevated rail guideway is also so nimble, narrow, and sleek that any comparison to
elevated highways is a huge red flag for me that someone doesn't know what they're talking about.
I used to live right next to a modern elevated rail
viaduct. I even had trains running through the background of my videos.
There was no issue.
Meanwhile today, if my neighbour's dog literally just barks, I have to stop recording and restart.
They're not a big deal.
Complaining about elevated rail is like complaining that air doesn't
have taste or that the sun makes things hot.
It's ridiculous.
Viaducts are also like anything.
Much like you could have an attractive tram system or a less attractive tram system,
you can have attractive and rather unattractive viaducts.
A city with a penchant for good design is going to
have attractive subways and attractive elevated rail.
And elevated rail has an ability to add a sort of dimensionality
and layers to a city that nothing else really can.
And I personally find it really hard to understand why someone in a city choked
with traffic or filled with giant roads would find an elevated rail viaduct any more unattractive.
At least the elevated train gets you where you need to go quickly,
with zero emissions and on the cheap.
Better yet, the things you can tuck away underneath elevated rail are frankly limitless.
In Japan there's tiny homes. In cities in Europe you'll so often see restaurants.
And in cities around the world you'll see greenways and walkways
under elevated rail which not only provide shelter from the elements,
but also let people walk, run, and roll quickly, just as the trains above do.
In fact, you can even create public spaces where people might be okay
just resting for a moment under elevated rail like with the Skyrail in Melbourne.
Naturally, by putting the trains above the ground, you also create a very adaptable system.
You can add stations after the fact, pull up cranes and trucks to do easy maintenance,
or even add new track work and connections like with the Red Purple bypass in Chicago,
all while keeping trains easily running.
It's also a lot easier to expand and improve an elevated station.
Adding escalators, elevators and new entrances just means building off of
that existing building as opposed to digging new holes in the ground.
If transit oriented development is your thing, cities like Bangkok, Delhi and Tokyo
show how you can use sky bridges to directly link destinations with the train stations people used,
creating development that isn't just transit oriented, but tied in directly with the transit.
It's also probably worth mentioning that in low lying cities like Bangkok or Vancouver or
Amsterdam, having rail that's elevated above ground can provide some flood protection.
Now, on my channel I talk a lot about the construction cost crisis in so much
of the world and how long it takes to get big infrastructure built,
and this has gotta be one of the biggest strengths of elevated rail.
Not only is it super functional, easy to maintain,
and easy to upgrade and expand, but it's also quick and inexpensive to build.
If you've ever lived in a place where they were building a modern elevated rail line,
be it a metro in a city or a high speed rail line through the countryside,
you'll know that a modern viaduct can be built with assembly line efficiency.
And since two train tracks are narrow and the pillars needed to
support an elevated guideway with two tracks are even more narrow,
you can also fit high capacity elevated rail lines almost anywhere from the
middle of the street to across existing railways and roadways.
Even along an existing single track industrial rail siding, you have
enough room to put in pillars that can carry a double track high capacity electric railway.
And the stations are cheaper and faster to build as well.
Since you don't have to go underground, there's a lot more standardization possible.
Essentially you're just building a building around the elevated rail viaduct.
This is why you see so much elevated rail in places like China and India.
It's faster and less expensive to catch up and create a big metro system really quickly.
There's almost never a more efficient way in a dense urban environment than going above.
For cities in North America, which are sprawled,
filled with large roads and highways and parking lots, elevated rail is so obviously the answer.
The reason Vancouver is able to have such a modern, large metro system,
one that trades blows with the largest cities on the continent,
is because it went above ground and used existing right of ways to create a large system.
And that thinking has spread to other cities like Honolulu,
Seattle, and San Diego which have started to realize the same things.
And I think other cities will as well.
When you're growing fast, have tons of car infrastructure and
little money to spend on public transit, going above ground is an obvious choice.
And unlike the light rail systems that were so often built over the last several decades,
when you go above the streets you can go much faster than traffic on those streets.
It's a big reason why I think the Skytrain in Vancouver blows the Portland light rail
system out of the water in terms of the number of people that actually use it,
even when Portland's system is larger.
It's just so much faster.
Ultimately, while this video won't stop these select urbanists who
like to complain that elevated rail is unnatural, imposing or even anti urban,
what I hope it does do is highlight to you why it's such a great technology.
Our cities aren't necessarily natural things.
Their greatness comes from what they enable:
Affordability, bringing people together and great ideas.
And elevated rail is fantastic infrastructure for that.
Now, you’ve seen a lot of elevated rail from Australia in this video,
with Melbourne’s beautiful SkyRail being one of my favourite urban
transit transformation projects in the world - stay tuned for a video on that.
But what you might have missed is a video I did on all of Australia’s
funky rail gauges last year and how the weird standards came to be,
which you can watch exclusively on Nebula right now.
Nebula is the streaming platform owned by me and my creator friends,
featuring over 14 thousand titles that you can watch ad-free,
including exclusive and early access videos from urbanist creators like myself, Citynerd,
City Beautiful, Life Where I’m from, and Not Just Bikes.
We also now have a News division and a film studio, where some of the very best content
creators are creating excellent large scale projects you won’t be able to find anywhere else,
such as The Getaway - a really exciting Nebula original series from the creators of Jet Lag the
Game where 6 different creators go on a road trip full of exciting games and competitions.
Watching my channel on Nebula is one of the best ways you
can support my channel and my content as a whole,
and as of now, lifetime memberships are back indefinitely for only $300 so you can pay once,
and get Nebula for as long as both you and Nebula exist,
so Nebula can fund bigger projects in the near future.
And if lifetime memberships are not your cup of tea,
you can still support me for only $36 a year or $3 a month with our annual plans;
we’re also now offering annual gift cards,
so you can share my Nebula exclusive videos with your friends and family too.
So go check out nebula at go.nebula.tv/rmtransit
right now!
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)