Start with alignment and demand
Selection requires an alignment plan, longitudinal profile, stations and peak directional demand. Length, curves and graded sections need assessment against configuration and intended operation.
Read grade correctly
Percentage grade is rise divided by horizontal run. A 30% grade is approximately 16.7 degrees, not 30 degrees. This illustrates units and does not establish any equipment limit.
A formula with explicit assumptions
For one point, one direction, stable departures and full occupancy: Q = C × 3600 / h. C is effective passengers per departure and h the headway in seconds. Forty passengers and 90 seconds give 1,600 passengers per hour per direction. This is a mathematical example, not a product specification.
Operations complete the assessment
Boarding, stops, turnbacks, track occupancy, fleet and control constraints affect throughput. Increasing nominal speed alone is insufficient. Power, maintenance and evacuation also belong in the assessment.
Share alignment and demand, and compare systems under the same operating assumptions.
Design criteria and data are confirmed for each project. This content supports scope definition and does not replace the relevant engineering review.
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