DECISIONS ON PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION FOR LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES

This paper examines the physical configuration of light rail vehicles (LRV) from the standpoint of the individual car and how it relates to the transportation system. The major decision to be made for double-end bidirectional operation or single-end with turning loops is explored. The advantages and disadvantages of each concept are also reviewed. Whether to specify articulation is evaluated in light of its relationship to fleet size and economic trade-offs as well as the operational benefits and problems that may result from its use. Results of three major LRV procurements that treated articulation as an option are explained. Selection of the patterns for door openings, the interface between doors and platforms, whether to use folding steps, and types of door action available are described. The relationship of seating to aisle needs, door openings, car width capability, and passenger flow is considered. Multiple-unit operation is analyzed as an option, with a review of its effects on throughput capacity and labor productivity. The question of whether to run new cars in trains with an existing fleet is explored. The conclusion is developed that selection of car options must be a result of system design. The LRV should not be allowed to dictate the system and car-wayside interfaces, whether the fleet be for a new line or for replacement. Goals of equipment standardization should not inhibit choices of configuration that will be best suited to the particular light rail operation.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/sr/sr195/sr195-025.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0360859X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appeared in Transportation Research Board Special Report No. 195, Light Rail Transit: Planning, Design, and Implementation. Papers presented at the Conference on Light Rail Transit, March 28-30, San Diego, California, sponsored by Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Landgraf, Robert J
• Conference:
  • Conference on Light-Rail Transit
  • Location: San Francisco California, United States
  • Date: 1982-3-28 to 1982-3-30
• Publication Date: 1982

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 97-103
• Monograph Title: LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT: PLANNING, DESIGN, AND IMPLEMENTATION
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Board Special Report
  • Issue Number: 195
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0360-859X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Articulated cars; Design; Door handles; Light rail transit; Light rail vehicles; Multiple unit trains; Performance based specifications; Specifications; Standardization
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria
• Old TRIS Terms: Door opening; Double end; Multiple unit operations; Platforms; Single end
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00371622
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 29 1983 12:00AM