LRT AND MAJOR ARTERIALS

Over the last decade, Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems have become increasingly popular in North American cities. A cross between interurban electric railways and local trolley systems, LRT systems generally operate on existing tracks -- either railroad rights-of-way or local arterial networks or, more often than not, both. But the conditions under which trolleys and interurban lines were established are not those today of newer LRT systems. A great deal of planning is necessary in order to tailor a light rail line to its environment. LRT's should be able to compete with automobiles without interfering with them on the road. They should also serve residential, shopping and business centers. For both passengers and motorists, there must be a working relationship between LRT and arterial traffic.