A unique innovation makes it possible for people with mobility impairments to travel easily on the renovated M3 metro.
Six renovated metro stations will have inclined lifts: the traveling public was able to use the special lifts at the middle three stations in May, while the installation is ongoing at three additional stations.
The inclined lift, which is a unique innovation in Hungary, was previously only found in Sweden, Germany, and the United States. Thus, the expertise of the professionals involved in the construction of these devices was used as a basis for the design and implementation of the lifts in Budapest. Compared to previous examples, the Hungarian metro network is special: the lifts had to be integrated not into a separate track but into the escalator shafts. Since the shafts are narrow, the width of the escalators had to be taken into account, thereby making room for the new lifts as well.
The lift operates on a principle similar to that of an elevator; it can best be described as an underground funicular. The cabin operates with the help of a counterweight: when the cabin moves upward on the tracks, the counterweight moves downward, preventing the lift from accelerating.
The lift moves at the same speed as the escalators. At the same time, it can accommodate 8 people or one wheelchair user and their companion.
Thanks to Magyar Építők for the photos and background material.
