PARIS METROPOLITAIN. The main line of the Metro politain underground railway, crossing Paris practically from the east to the west (Porte de Vincennes to the Porte Maillot) was opened during the Exhibition of 1900, on July 19.
The line has since been in constant operation, and to-day the system comprises ten lines affording 95 km. 654 m. of working double track. Further, 18 km. are in course of construction and will be ready for use before 1931; finally, the extension to the suburbs of the existing lines and the opening up of new lines in the interior of Paris will comfortably complete the urban system of the Metropolitain railway.
Since the Metropolitain has been working, the number of passengers who travel by it has augmented unceasingly. The 1900 figure was 17,660,286 which increased to 702,471,969 in 1928, and the progress is continuing.
As new lines were operated and rolling stock was renewed, the original trains of 4 carriages affording accommodation for about 200 seats, were replaced on the main lines of the system by 5-car riage trains with over Soo seats and following each other at inter vals of between I min. 35 sec. to 3 min. at the peak hours.
Thus, 1,770 carriages enable the service to give 122,000 places (sitting room) at the peak hours.
The trains composed of three carriages with engines of two motors of 175 h.p. and two coaches of which one is first class, can reach the speed of 45 km. per hr. which may be said to cor respond with an average commercial speed of 21-23 km. per hr., according to the variance of the lines.
The average inter-station distance is 493 m., the highest gradi ents are 4o mm. per metre.
The working of the signal system is almost perfect although each particular signal functions from 400 to Soo times a day. The system adopted ensures every train being safeguarded by at least two stop signals.
Ticket prices in 1900 were °fr.'s (2nd class) ofr.25 (1st class) and ofr.2o for a return. These prices are now increased to: 2nd class, dr.* 1st class, 1 fr. and the return ofr.7o, this increase, a coefficient of 3.8, allows profits being realized however, which proves that in spite of the great increase in cost of material, the Metropolitain has been able to direct its system with very efficient managership. (P. MA.)