LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT: ITS NATURE AND ROLE
The U.S. Department of Transportation's policy to support efforts to develop a type of rail system which is less costly to build, operate and maintain than conventional rail transit (CRT) systems is noted, the rather arbitrary distinctions between the latter and light rail transit (LRT) systems are discussed, the principal characteristics of selected LRT systems are tabulated, and the key features common to all such systems are listed. The LRT systems may range from the simple streetcar line to the high capacity CRT and the heavy main-line commuter rail service. LRT's flexibility permits its operation anywhere that tracks and overhead wire can be constructed. This flexibility is derived from the overhead power collection and the ability to handle passengers at either high or low platforms. Significant cost savings and operating flexibility result from LRT's ability to run on "open" surface lines as well as in subways. Attention is focussed on certain noteworthy features of the Cleveland Shaker Heights LRT system, the MBTA Blue Line CRT system, and the San Francisco Muni Metro now under construction. It is suggested that any metropolitan area planning a new transit system or an unconstrained addition to an old system should consider LRT as an alternative.
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Supplemental Notes:
- 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.
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Corporate Authors:
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001 -
Authors:
- Seamon, J H
- Publication Date: 1976-9
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; Tables;
- Pagination: p. 7-9
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Serial:
- Transportation Research News
- Issue Number: 66
- Publisher: Transportation Research Board
- ISSN: 0738-6826
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Commuting; Costs; Light rail transit; Power; Public transit; Railroad tracks; Streetcars; Transportation planning; Urban transportation
- Old TRIS Terms: Platforms
- Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Energy; Finance; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00144032
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, TRB
- Created Date: Dec 22 1981 12:00AM