ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE: THE CASE FOR LIGHT RAIL, PART 1

The objectives of providing better mass transit through conventional means (bus, heavy rail transit and personal rapid transit) are examined, and the possibilities of increasing system efficiency by incorporating light rail rapid transit into the overall plan is explored. A discussion the physical characteristics of light rail cover aspects of the vehicle, the operator, fare collection, design criteria and standardization, right-of-way, stations, controls and communication. Light rail's basic characteristic is versatility, and it can be used effectively in: basic service supplemented by bus; supplement to high capacity rapid transit; rapid transit feeder service; high-speed suburban service; and short haul intercity service. Light rail's capability to meet fluctuating traffic demand is discussed and comments are made on light rail as an instrument for integrated public transportation.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transit Association

  1100 17th Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20036
• Authors:
  • Taylor, S F
• Publication Date: 1975-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 15-34
• Serial:
  • Transit Journal
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue Number: 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Communications; Control; Demand; Design; Fare collection; Feeder services; Intercity transportation; Level of service; Light rail transit; Light rail vehicles; Modal split; Operators (Persons); Passenger service; Public passenger vehicles; Public transit; Rapid transit; Regional planning; Short haul; Standardization; Transportation planning; Urban transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria; Operator; Right of way; Service; Transit vehicles
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00099307
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 18 1981 12:00AM