TRANSIT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM PROJECT A-8: RAIL TRANSIT CAPACITY

Before the final report is completed in late 1995, the Transit Cooperative Research Program Project A-9, Rail Transit Capacity, is summarized with emphasis on the light rail content. The project investigated and quantified the variables that affect the maximum passenger carrying capacity of rail transit in four categories: rail rapid transit (heavy rail), light rail transit, commuter rail, and automated guideway transit in North America. Light rail work constituted 45% of the project. A survey of existing literature; a survey of rail transit operators in Canada, Mexico, and the United States; and field data surveys determined existing capacities and capacity constraints and accumulated extensive data. Quantitative analysis, narration, and calibration to real life resulted in procedures for estimating rail transit capacity under a variety of conditions, including realistic operating margins.