Commuting underground: ordinary and extraordinary spatial stories in Buenos Aires? Underground Railways

DHAN ZUNINO SINGH

Bristol

Simposio; Travel Time Use, Value and Experience; 2011

Centre for Transport & Society, University of the West of England

Based on historical research looking at passengers? perspectives on commuting, this paper aims to present insights into our knowledge about the practices, relations, and representations involved in the speeding-up of travelling. The analysis focuses on Buenos Aires? Underground in a period of modernisation and rapid growth (1880-1940) in which the underground railways were considered the best transport solution, resolving urban congestion and reducing journey time between the centre and the suburbs. Comfort, speed, safety, and time saving became signs of progress. However, the travel experience (spatial stories) triggered ambivalent impressions. Underground commuting was perceived as dehumanising (symptom of a modern life ruled by punctuality) and the passenger as an automaton. These impressions were opposed by extraordinary experiences that show the fascination with new technologies and underground travel as a space of sociability. Finally, the daily experience of congestion, delays, and discomfort in the underground is contrasted with the ideal service. Based on historical research looking at passengers? perspectives on commuting, this paper aims to present insights into our knowledge about the practices, relations, and representations involved in the speeding-up of travelling. The analysis focuses on Buenos Aires? Underground in a period of modernisation and rapid growth (1880-1940) in which the underground railways were considered the best transport solution, resolving urban congestion and reducing journey time between the centre and the suburbs. Comfort, speed, safety, and time saving became signs of progress. However, the travel experience (spatial stories) triggered ambivalent impressions. Underground commuting was perceived as dehumanising (symptom of a modern life ruled by punctuality) and the passenger as an automaton. These impressions were opposed by extraordinary experiences that show the fascination with new technologies and underground travel as a space of sociability. Finally, the daily experience of congestion, delays, and discomfort in the underground is contrasted with the ideal service.