2nd Edition

Introduction 5
Before adopting any form of elevated railway there needs to be a careful
consideration of environmental issues including visual impact and noise as
well as dealing with emergencies at high level. Although elevated railways
occupy less ground level space than surface railways, the stations often cover
more relative area because of the need for stairs, ramps and escalators etc.
From an engineering point of view also alignments should be as smooth
as possible without steep gradients or tight curves to reduce wear on
both the rolling stock and the track and to keep power consumption to a
minimum.
1.7 Resources Required
For the satisfactory operation and maintenance of a railway, certain basic
resources are required, which can be grouped into human resources, fixed
assets and mobile machinery. Inadequacy in any of these three sides of
this fixed triangle will mean that good operation cannot be maintained,
irrespective of the performance on the other sides.
Careful selection and adequate training of personnel at all levels is essential.
Ongoing good relations with staff, both at national and local level, must
Fig. 1.3.
Platforms and roof at Paddington, London.