Abstract
The rapid growth of metropolitan areas has created the need for high-speed commuter services around the world. The locomotive-hauled train cannot provide the rapid acceleration and fast braking required to move increasing numbers of people over commutation distances. It is being replaced by the self-propelled or ‘multiple unit’ car. This paper describes research carried out by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, to develop high-speed equipment for commuter services, and deals firstly with electric cars and secondly with a dual powered car taking power from a third rail and also powered by gas turbines. The tests carried out are described and conclusions reached are stated.
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