Metro Bilbao

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METRO BILBAO

description

By November 1995, Metro Bilbao had begun to truly roll. The Metro was planned from start to end to be a world-class, innovative and unique service. By combining symbolism and functionality, British architect Norman FOSTER brought into existence an exquisite, highly original, simple and efficient project. It is indeed the most appreciated project realized by the residents of Bilbao.

Transcript of Metro Bilbao

Page 1: Metro Bilbao

METROBILBAO

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Although the original idea of a metropolitan transportnetwork dates back to 1920, the present undergroundrailway system for Greater Bilbao finally took shape in1985, with work commencing in 1988. By November1995, Metro Bilbao had begun to truly roll.

The Metro was planned from start to end to be aworld-class, innovative and unique service. By combiningsymbolism and functionality, British architect NormanFOSTER brought into existence an exquisite, highlyoriginal, simple and efficient project. It is indeed the mostappreciated project realized by the residents of Bilbao.

The final route of the Metro is shaped like the letter ‘Y’.The initial common track runs for 10.5 km from Basaurito San Inazio, from East to West. From here, the linedivides into two: line 1 runs along the same track as theold Euskotren, (Basque Railways) line, which served thetowns on the Left bank of the river to the end of the linein Plentzia. Line 2, however, runs through the main townson the Right bank, as far as the sea port of Santurtzi,recently extended from Portugalete.

Also under construction is Line 3 which will join Districts2 and 3 with the centre of the city and with Lines 1 and2 currently in service. Casco Viejo (Old Bilbao) is intendedto be the transfer and intermodal station with a speciallydesigned building for the purpose by Mr Norman FOSTER.

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Of all the underground stations in the network,San Inazio stands out as a small undergroundcity where the two lines meet, where oneappreciates a feeling of freedom due to itsspaciousness and lighting.

Certainly, the pride felt in this vital means oftransport is even greater when we consider thatthe train carriages were built using cutting-edgetechnology by the Basque company CAF. Allthe carriages have motors with extremely

efficient technology, especially as regardspower, acceleration and braking. Each tractionunit is autonomous, capable of reaching amaximum speed at 80 km/hr. Each train unitis composed of four carriages coupled togetherwithout doors or separation of any kind, creatinga single unified space with greater mobility forpassengers. The train's maximum capacity,while maintaining comfort, is four persons persquare metre, which translates into 523 percarriage, 379 standing and 144 seated.

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This is the first construction of the newBilbao, hidden underground but comingto the surface to join the rest of the city inthe form of unique curved glassystructures. These Metro entrances areknown as fosteritos by the people of Bilbaoin honour of architect Norman FOSTER.

In 1998, the Metro was awarded the BrunelPrize, the most prestigious internationalaward for railway architecture for Sarrikostation.

Moreover, this magnificent construction,which has revolutionised transport inBilbao, has also been awarded the Prizefor the cleanest Metro service in Europe.