LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

Light rail transit can be an alternative to rapid transit, railroad commuter service or busways under certain conditions. Over two dozen U.S. cities are either building or expanding light rail systems, or seriously considering new systems. In many cases the systems are not networks but only a single line or multiple lines in selected corridors that require medium-capacity transit facilities. In these situations LRT can be a practical option, significantly less expensive than conventional rapid transit yet offering an attractive level of service. These cities have demonstrated that light rail transit is an important element in the family of urban transportation modes, which can be cost-effectively constructed and operated.