IS LONDON SMARTER, OR PARIS?

RATP transit leaders in Paris brag that they have reduced staff on Line 1 from 250 when it was in classic mode with drivers (or operators or conductors) aboard each train. Today the upgraded driverless line needs a staff of only 40. There similar driverless systems at CDG and Orly airports, in addition to driverless Line 14 that opened last century.

In London, all three airports have APMs, but none of the Tube lines are fully automated. When plans to retrofit them to driverless were announced, unions shouted that it would compromise public safety. Today they kick and groan about an order of new Tube cars that will be capable of unmanned operation, maybe by 2030.

In London, leaders are excited about CrossRail -- a mega-project to create express east-west service for Greater London.Paris did this thirty years ago with the first RER line. There are now three lignes of the Reseau Expres Regional (regional express network) elaborated with several branches. Happy catch-up, London!

Aramis was tested outside Paris in the 1980s.

There are, however, no automated transit networks (ATNs) in Paris. RATP ran a test track in the 1980s, dubbed Aramis, but abandoned the concept as too sophisticated and dismantled the track. London at least has a shuttle at Heathrow Airport with one end a two-pronged fork that in theory has ATN functionality.

Podcar-Fed Metros?

One London driverless transit project stands out as an outstanding example of staged development coordinated with massive real estate construction, While without off-line stations and the non-stop service that is the hallmark of ATN, it catalyzed redevelopment in the old port district downstream from Parliament and the Financial District. Known as the DLR (Dockland Light Railway), it is a huge success by most measures. One wonders why there aren’t more DLR-like projects all around the English capital, including less dense districts where ATNs make sense.

Paris, meanwhile, is charting out a grand transit-oriented future centered on a driverless metro ring (with branches) known as Grand Paris - usable in both French and English. Its technology will be like Line 14 or the upgraded Line 1 -- capable of carrying the high linear passengers flows expected of metros.

What will feed Grand Paris stations?

Grand Paris stations will handle large passenger flows, and many of them will benefit from local circulation projects that can capture increased real estate value. Next-generation Aramis projects, well planned and run, could make Grand Paris even greater.

Paris, London and the world will learn more at PCC9 next fall.