Long-Term Upgrade Strategy for Light Rail and Regional Rail: Robust Methodological Approach

Suburban light rail transit (LRT) and regional rail systems face similar challenges when it comes to upgrade perspectives. A particular planning process is required for upgrade measures apart from conventional alignment modifications. This study investigated the similarities between LRT and regional rail characteristics and developed a robust decision framework that linked demand modeling, timetable construction, and infrastructure design in an integrated approach. The study applied a three-stage planning process for a regional railway system in a midsized Austrian city. A multimodal travel demand model that included demographic changes over the next 2 decades was used. Travel demand was calculated with the current timetable and forecasted changes in regional planning. Within a sensitivity analysis, the impact of alternative timetables on modal shift was checked. A detailed analysis of these results was undertaken to optimize the best-ranked timetable model. Different infrastructure measures such as electrification, double-track sections, road grade crossings, station layout, and alignment changes were identified to match the optimal target timetable with fixed hub-to-hub travel times. Various stakeholders were involved in deciding the political objectives of modal shares, transit headways, and regional rail infrastructure. A well-defined planning process with fixed milestones led to a common agreement on a stepwise upgrade plan for the next 25 years. The proposed method can be applied to regional rail as well as LRT.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.3141/2534-06
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309369398
• Authors:
  • Walter, Stefan
  • Fellendorf, Martin
• Publication Date: 2015

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 38–47
• Monograph Title: Public Transportation: Passenger Rail and Terminals, Volume 2
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2534
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Light rail transit; Methodology; Modal shift; Modernization; Regional transportation; Transportation planning; Travel demand
• Geographic Terms: Austria
• Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01551728
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309369398
• Report/Paper Numbers: 15-1085
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 27 2015 11:24AM