Folks, let's take a look at passenger density on Japanese subway lines. How do they compare to each other and to the USA?
-
-
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!
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.