Vehicle technology assessment for Baltimore transit connector

To help relieve traffic congestion and improve mobility, cities throughout the US are considering the implementation of key transit initiatives. The City of Baltimore is studying a cross-town transit connector to help improve mobility in its busy central business district and foster continued development. While not intended to be a full compendium of existing transit systems and applications, this paper presents key factors to consider in selecting the best transit system options. The City of Baltimore is studying several transit modes, including bus transit, heavy and light rail transit, automated guideway transit monorail, personal rapid transit, and water transit. The paper presents an overview of selected transit vehicle options, along with some locations where they are operating. If also examines the East-West Transit Connector right-of-way requirements, and assesses the primary characteristics of each potential vehicle technology. First travel markets and functions that the transit system intends to capture are presented. Second, the physical constraints of the corridor, including the degree of freedom from surface traffic interference, and the stations spacing are discussed. Third, the attributes of the potential transit technology including capacity, its impact on the urban environment traffic circulation, and development patterns are also highlighted. Fourth, vehicle systems characteristics, including crashworthiness, speed, and performance, are discussed. Finally, capital and operations and maintenance cost requirements are addressed.