Tokyo Metro Aesthetics (Fukutoshin Line, Nishi Waseda Station)
#TrainTwitterpic.twitter.com/YV4IdlcCck
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What about Boston? Red Line: 12,511/mi Orange Line: 18,822/mi Blue Line: 11,253/mipic.twitter.com/SzexqfJqUZ
The Green Line, with its many branches, ends up the lowest of the lot at just 10,087/milepic.twitter.com/XwRlmby6PH
Back in Tokyo, the (govt-run) Toei Lines: Asakusa Line: 58,737/mi Mita Line: 36,398/mi Shinkjuku Line: 48,075/mi Oedo Line: 34,742/mipic.twitter.com/yujYeFTXe7
Philly: Broad Street Line: 9,865/mi Market Frankford Line: 14,315/mi Norristown Line: 750/mi PATCO Line: 2,676/mipic.twitter.com/WOpfvW9VzN
How about other US networks? PATH: 19,566/mi WMATA: 6,400 BART: 3,976/mi Chicago L: 7,468/mipic.twitter.com/er0imSlDJj
Now, if you're me, you're looking at these densities and wondering where the break-even point is. Sure, it depends on a lot of variables...
...but by looking at many systems--profitable and subsidized--you can make some educated guesses. Fortunately I have a case study for this!
Let me introduce you to Osaka's newest subway line (and ongoing political scandal), the Imazatosuji Linepic.twitter.com/el9SUd4CbC
Osaka's subway is operated by the Municipal Government--nonetheless, it's very successful overall (28,785/mi) and up for privatization.pic.twitter.com/Dwt7XuYFtu
With one problem: the Imazatosuji Line, which cost much more to build than expected and has fallen far short of expected ridership.pic.twitter.com/V8ofGC1Rgs
8 years after its opening in 2006, daily ridership had finally reached 64,385...but it was supposed to hit 120,000 within the first year!pic.twitter.com/QqTHEfeQAW
So, the Imazatosuji Line's rider density is currently 8,701 per mile--too low! If it had hit its target, it would be 16,216 per mile...
...so, with that in mind, I think we can make a good guess where the break-even point is for a generic subway line: roughly 15,000 per mile
A subway line with higher passenger density than this should (all else being equal) be able to operate at a profit. If it can't...?
...time to start auditing!
there's distinct ridership changes as the lines cross boroughs
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