CLEVELAND'S LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM IN THE 1980S: THE ONGOING REVOLUTION

In the early 1980s, the light rail lines in Cleveland were completely reconstructed and equipped with a new fleet of radically different cars not at all suited for street running, effectively converting the line to a low-platform semi-metro and thus realizing much of the long-term intention of the original builders. But these projects, costing upwards of $100 million, were not the end of the matter. Despite the damage to riding volume caused by the disturbances of reconstruction, the revolution resumed near the end of the 1980s. Five recent, basic changes have been made to the system: conversion to right-hand running in the formerly left-hand area, installation of a cab signal system on the western portion, construction of a combined end-to-end high-low platform station downtown as part of an indoor shopping center, evolution of the two boulevard center strips into linear parks, and retrofit of the new car fleet to overcome two major problems. The work reveals much about tolerable levels of deviation and disruption in planning and construction of new or revamped light rail lines. The lesson is derived that operations management must be more assertive early in the planning process when rail transit systems are being altered for purposes not directly related to their performance.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References;
  • Pagination: p. 259-267
  • Monograph Title: Light rail transit: planning, design, and operating experience
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00625606
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309054001
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Dec 22 1993 12:00AM