Underground Utopia in Dresden - 120 years better off without

Abstract

Since 1897, when first plans evolved in Dresden, the city and its self-conscious inhabitants have been attracted to the utopian idea of an underground rail-bound rapid mass transit. In 5 waves throughout 4 different political epochs plans were worked up to implement such form of transport. While some reasons remained the same - offering quick reliable connections, or supporting the territorial integration of the growing (sub-)urban catchment area - other project parameters changed with societal systems and technological advance. To name and explain some important ones are the population density, urban design principles with regard to transportation, construction solutions in the water permeable soil of the Elbe river valley, the advance of Intelligent Transporation Systems to replace "concrete by bytes", or the organisation of public transport bodies. Not to forget the soft aspects of prestige and the old Saxonian rivalty with Leipzig. Nowadays, 120 years after, the only underground section is short, far off the center and was never included in the original plans. Instead a succesful dense tramway network and a nearly extended S-Bahn track cover the mobility needs of many of its 540,000+ citizens. After all, might the way to a liveable, sustainable city like Dresden be even easier having avoided the Dystopia named U-Bahn? External comparisons with other (West German) cities having built rail tunnels from the 60's on, and internally with the existing Dresden public transport system suggest this thesis. Costs and door-to-door travelling times, amongst others, are used as indicators. Deemed to be infeasible in the (mid) future the non-realisation of the Underground Utopia makes place for rail enhancements in the near future. But is it put out of everyone's mind forever, though?