LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT

The major objective of XR/LB is to increase the SPEED of that rail service. This is essential not only in order to increase the patronage of transit-dependent people but especially to attract a larger portion of American middle class away from their automobiles. The objective of speed should be measured not so much in running-time or miles-per-hour but in the riders' perception of the speed of the vehicle. There are many cases of New York subways where a passenger has a choice between an express and a local. Even where the local provides a seated ride, the overwhelming preference is to stand aboard the express. The rider has the perception that the express is much faster although the saving may actually be only a few minutes. The rider feels an emotional satisfaction in traveling quickly past local stations compared to stopping at each of those stations, doors open, passengers off and on, doors close, then a short run to the next station. A fast rail express is the only type of transit that will attract a large number of middle-class Americans out of their automobiles.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 783-796

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00804806
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 11 2001 12:00AM