Narrow gauge metros

[j0hn0]

Hey

Cities in the UK outside of London really are at a choking point in terms of traffic flow and infrastructure yet they don't have the light rail or metro system to support themselves (Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham etc)

Cities like Manchester and Newcastle have tram/metro systems but really only scratch the suface of what is required by their population in order to get it moving freely.

At a time when government are making noises about bringing us closer to London, and investing MORE in London's already over-invested infrastructure, do you not think that it is time, first, to get moving round our own cities?

Due to costs and due diligence, not to mention NIMBY's, does anyone here think that it would be possible to contruct a narrow gauge mass-transit system which would half the costs of contruction?

Would a narrow gauge metro system be that impractical as the Welsh Highland Railway are already showing us what can be accommodated on just a 2 ft gauge?

thoughts?

 

[90019]

Tbh, I don't see much difference between running a standard and narrow gauge metro; the trains will likely still be the same size, just the tracks will be narrower.
Also, I don't see how it would half the costs; you still have to lay the same length of track, the only difference is that the sleepers will be narrower

 

[j0hn0]

surely the trains and loading gauge would be smaller?

I'm thinking I guess more as an alternative to tram schemes which are all standard gauge and take up loads of space on the roads.

 

[generalvegitable]

they could work, some narrow gauge networks have narrower coaching stock and they work fine. the only drawback is rush hours, during that time you would want as much space as possible, even if it means a wider system. wider coaching stock could fall off on a rather sharp cambered bend because of the centre of gravity