Light Rail Transit Systems
According to the Transportation Research Board, Light Rail Transit (LRT) is: “A metropolitan electric railway system characterized by its ability to operate single cars or short trains along exclusive rights-of way at ground level, on aerial structures, in subways or, occasionally, in streets, and to board and discharge passengers at track or car-floor level.” The origination for the term “light rail” is unclear, however the term was reportedly used in the 1960’s to avoid the use of the terms trolley, tram, streetcar, or tramway. It was been used in England for years prior to its current use referring to a type of mass transit. Nevertheless, the term has been introduced in hopes of modernizing the term trolley/streetcar/tram/tramway. The first light rail system in the US was implemented in San Diego and called the San Diego Trolley.
Although called “light”, this transit system is built contrary to that term as well as to specific standards. Max speeds of 60 miles per hour are common, while heavy rail trains normally operate at higher speeds. A key factor to LRT is the train operator. Unlike Automatic Train Operation, the operator is essential in ensuring a safe, high-quality operation. The operators are important in going with the flow of traffic when the trains cross near or through major roadways with cars. Overhead lines supply electricity to the majority of light rail systems. This avoids the danger of passengers stepping on an electrified third rail. Depending on its intended use, distance between light rail stations can be shorter than within heavy rail systems, which is advantageous in urban settings. In LRT Systems, trains may operate in mixed street traffic, downtown malls, in the middle of major throughways, or on dedicated rights of way. In this way, trains can cross through intersections similar to that of a car or truck. However, due to the proximity to urban areas, the average speed of light rail systems is...