Introducing light rail transit into streets

Continuing operation of LRT systems in Europe and elsewhere shows that LRT can alleviate congestion and is a practical proposition. The accidents relating to recent LRT introductions show that the phase where a new LRT is introduced into streets is a phase requiring special attention and planning. The LRT is to serve a community. If the community objects to it, it may delay its opening or impose operating constraints which reduce financial return. This paper raises the key issues requiring attention if the LRT is to be accepted, valued and trusted by its community. When managing the major project of introducing LRVs into streets, the preceding project phases must incorporate consideration of commissioning as an activity itself. This requires cooperation between engineering and operating functions for the LRT to achieve successful integration into road traffic on the streets of our towns and cities.