VAL VIVE LA DIFFERENCE!

In its first year the VAL system in Lille, France, attracted 13 million riders to its initial 8.4-mile segment opened in May 1983. This was almost 3 times the projected ridership. VAL technology, which includes rubber tire vehicles and complete automation, was chosen because it offered several cost-saving features. Along with crewless operation, the small lightweight vehicles make possible smaller tunnels and low-cost elevated guideways. The Lille system has a very extensive surveillance and communications system to assure passengers on the unmanned trains. Platform screens are used at stations to insure safety of passengers who must wait until platform and train doors are aligned and then opened. Architecture received great emphasis in the design of stations.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1794668
• Corporate Authors:

  Carter (C Carroll)

  538 National Press Building
  Washington, DC  United States  20004
• Authors:
  • Kraus, D
• Publication Date: 1984-9

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • Mass Transit
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Cygnus Publishing, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0364-3484
  • Serial URL: http://www.masstransitmag.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Architecture; Automatic train operation; Personal rapid transit; Ridership; Safety; Security; Technology
• Geographic Terms: France; Lille (France)
• Old TRIS Terms: Platform screens; Val system
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00390140
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 30 1984 12:00AM