Why Subways Run on Rubber Tires (It’s Not Just for Noise)

Why do some metro trains run on rubber tires? Learn how Michelin changed subway technology by solving noise and traction issues. This video examines the history and mechanics behind rubber tires on metro trains. Starting in 1951, transit authorities began testing alternatives to traditional steel wheels to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency. We look at why cities like Paris and Montreal adopted this specific design to navigate steep inclines that standard trains cannot handle. Beyond just a smoother ride, you will see how the dual-wheel system functions to keep these trains on the tracks. This breakdown is for transit enthusiasts and anyone curious about the engineering choices that shape our daily commutes. By understanding the trade-offs between steel and rubber, you gain a clearer picture of why specific transit networks choose different infrastructure. Subscribe for weekly transit engineering breakdowns, and comment below if you prefer the ride quality of rubber-tired metros or traditional steel-wheeled trains. Most subway trains run on steel wheels. So why did Paris, Montreal, and Mexico City convert entire metro lines to rubber tires? It sounds like a dangerous gimmick — until you see the hidden dual-wheel system under the floor. Beneath every rubber-tired metro car sits a second set of flanged steel wheels, hovering millimeters above a backup rail. They never touch during normal operation. But if a rubber tire blows out at full speed, the steel wheels drop instantly and the train doesn't even slow down. It's a safety system built into the same bogie, inches from the primary wheels. We break down: 0:00 — The 1951 Michelin experiment that changed metros forever 1:15 — The dual-wheel bogie: how rubber tires and steel backups share the same axle 3:30 — Why rubber means faster acceleration, shorter braking, and steeper climbs 5:00 — The hidden cost: rolling resistance, heat, and heated guideways 6:00 — The concrete switching mechanism (no steel rails, no flange) No jargon. No textbook lectures. Just clear, visual explanations of the engineering hiding in plain sight. 🔔 Subscribe for more engineering breakdowns: @Machino2.o #Subway #Engineering #HowItWorks #Metro #CivilEngineering #ParisMetro #MontrealMetro #RubberTires #HiddenEngineering