INTRODUCTION TO LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT

The papers published here were presented at the National Conference which was designed to put forward the basic characteristics of light rail transit, and the techniques of applying it to improve transportation and the quality of urban life. The first session established the rationale for considering light rail transit from among several modes, and worldwide developments in light rail transit were described. The second session (on system concept) described specific characteristics that give light rail transit a place in the public transportation spectrum. How such transit coordinates with other modes was an important aspect of this session. Physical and operating characteristics were discussed in the third session; both fixed facilities and vehicle received extensive coverage. Economics (cost and revenue potential) were examined, and the beginnings of a method for selecting an optimum urban transport system that uses various modes were formulated in the fourth session. The final session, which considered the potential of light rail transit in the institutional context of contemporary American society, indicated that tangible effort must be made in the U.S. to emulate the developments in Canada and Europe if the true potential of this mode is to be realized.