IAH Airport Subway Replacement Alternatives (Houston: rental car, fit in, rental)

[Pink Jazz]

I understand that IAH is conducting studies on what should potentially replace the Subway (formerly known as the Inter-Terminal Train). The system is no longer supported or maintained by its original manufacturer (WEDway), and is becoming expensive to maintain for the airport with parts availability difficult to come by. It still serves a need for landside traffic, which is why the airport is studying potential replacement alternatives.


From what I read, some of the alternatives that have been considered include:

• Abandon it in favor of buses.
• Replace it with moving walkways.
• Refurbish it.
• Replace it with a custom-designed solution that can fit in the existing tunnels.
• Replace it with an elevated people mover system that would run along South Terminal Road, with potential extensions to the Consolidated Rental Car Facility and Remote Parking.

The first option would probably be the least expensive, while Option 5 would probably be the most expensive but probably the most convenient for passengers. Probably Options 3 and 4 would be my least favorite, and Option 4 would also be quite expensive since there are no current off-the-shelf products that can fit in the existing tunnels.

What would be your favorite option?

[HookTheBrotherUp]

You left out a sixth option, which is to expand upon the above ground rail that they have. It works at most large airports I've been to. That is what I'd opt for. That not being possible, the next one would be a bus system. Again, I've used those extensively in Europe, they work, but not the most fun/convenient. CDG airport is a good example.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

I understand that IAH is conducting studies on what should potentially replace the Subway (formerly known as the Inter-Terminal Train). The system is no longer supported or maintained by its original manufacturer (WEDway), and is becoming expensive to maintain for the airport with parts availability difficult to come by. It still serves a need for landside traffic, which is why the airport is studying potential replacement alternatives.



From what I read, some of the alternatives that have been considered include:

• Abandon it in favor of buses.
• Replace it with moving walkways.
• Refurbish it.
• Replace it with a custom-designed solution that can fit in the existing tunnels.
• Replace it with an elevated people mover system that would run along South Terminal Road, with potential extensions to the Consolidated Rental Car Facility and Remote Parking.

The first option would probably be the least expensive, while Option 5 would probably be the most expensive but probably the most convenient for passengers. Probably Options 3 and 4 would be my least favorite, and Option 4 would also be quite expensive since there are no current off-the-shelf products that can fit in the existing tunnels.

What would be your favorite option?

Aren't moving walkways pretty common in American airports ? Plus they can use the same pathways the Terminal Train used. So off hand I would favor option number 2....

[jfre81]

The old one is just a people mover in a tunnel. Replace it with a more modern one. Seems simple to me.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by jfre81

The old one is just a people mover in a tunnel. Replace it with a more modern one. Seems simple to me.

The old/current one reminds me of one of those cheesy 'roller coaster' rides designed for toddlers, shaking, bumpy and tossing you from side to side. It is actually embarrassing for someone coming from a modern airport.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

The old/current one reminds me of one of those cheesy 'roller coaster' rides designed for toddlers, shaking, bumpy and tossing you from side to side. It is actually embarrassing for someone coming from a modern airport.

The "subway" at IAH was designed by the company that made the tram at Walt Disney World, so it's probably an accurate description. But the most embarrassing thing is probably what the visitor sees when they leave the airport and try to get to why they came to Houston at all.

[Dopo]

Here we go with the BS of "rail is too expensive to maintain"

How much can it cost to maintain?
It's not as if they have to build rail lines every 2 years.

Funny thing is that I never hear railroad companies that own 1000s of miles or rail complaining about the cost to maintain their raillines.
And they don't move people, I've seen a train move more than 50 wagon full of rocks.

[jfre81]

The current system was put in place in 1981, same year I was put here. I'd say it's served its purpose.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

You left out a sixth option, which is to expand upon the above ground rail that they have. It works at most large airports I've been to. That is what I'd opt for. That not being possible, the next one would be a bus system. Again, I've used those extensively in Europe, they work, but not the most fun/convenient. CDG airport is a good example.

That isn't an option because the Skyway is airside (inside security), not landside (outside security).

Originally Posted by jfre81

The old one is just a people mover in a tunnel. Replace it with a more modern one. Seems simple to me.

Problem is that the cars that the current system uses are much smaller than any current off-the-shelf system, which means that any new replacement that utilizes the existing tunnels would have to be custom-designed, which would add to the cost.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by jfre81

The "subway" at IAH was designed by the company that made the tram at Walt Disney World, so it's probably an accurate description. But the most embarrassing thing is probably what the visitor sees when they leave the airport and try to get to why they came to Houston at all.

Some people embarrass really easily. Can any thread on the Houston forum not devolve into a Houston is so ugly or ghetto critique ?