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Israel
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Haifa is Israel's 3rd largest city and its main port on the Mediterranean. It is a city built on a hill. Mt Carmel is at is center. In 1956 the Carmelit underground line opened linking lower downtown with near the top of Mt. Carmel.
It is considered the world's smallest subway system (not shortest line). It is really an underground Funicular line. There are two trains connected to a cable. They run on the same track with the exception of a passing tracks in the middle of the line. The stations are even spaced since the trains must both stop at the same time. The grade the line climbs progressively gets steeper. Even with the cars built with steps, the cars gradually angle steeper at each station.
The line was closed for several years, but was refurbished and reopened. The line is always threatened with closure due to low patronage.
The
entrance to the Paris Square station, the station at the bottom of the
hill in downtown. (8/22/08)
The
Turnstile entrance to Paris Square (8/22/08)
The
train at Paris Square. The line is single track. Boarding it on the left,
alighting is on the left. (8/22/08)
This
is the alighting side of the train at Paris Square
Looking
up the tunnel. Note the steps the cable between the running rails.
(8/22/08)
Train
entering the station at Paris Square. (8/22/08)
A
view of Paris Square towards the bumper block. Note the steps. Compare the
steps here to Carmel Center. (8/22/08)
The
line map from inside the car. (8/22/08)
Inside
the car. Note the elevation change thru the car. (8/22/08)
The
entrance to Carmel Center station, the station at the top of the hill, end
of the line. (8/22/08)
Train
departing Carmel Center (8/22/08)
Looking
down the station and tunnel at Carmel Center. (8/22/08)
Note
the steepness of Carmel Center Station, Compare it to Paris Square at the
other end of the line.
Train
at Carmel Center. The train is still at a steeper angle than this steep
station. (8/22/08)
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