MOTOR VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN INTERFACE WITH LIGHT-RAIL TRANSIT

This session focussed on the problem of finding the space within which to develop a surface-level light-rail transit (LRT) system. The primary and secondary arterials of many cities which no longer have as much through traffic as they used to, seem likely candidates for future LRT systems. The question of how LRT lines could be placed into arterial or other roads of limited width was discussed. LRT can provide a low-cost solution to the need for providing for greater capacity in the face of the negative aspects of increasing the width of existing transport networks. LRT also provides the best potential for obtaining surface level linear parks. The substitution of grass or other materials for the usual ballast-and-gravel or dirt-track foundation was also discussed. Other topics covered include the implementation of LRT operations in existing streets particularly in cities that no longer have street railway operations or that promote LRT, standards for grade separation of LRT at principal perpendicular avenues and arterials, criteria for crossing of LRT Lines by pedestrians and motor vehicles, the use of European tramway and light-rail standards, the protection of level crossings, driver education for making left-turns in cities with new LRT systems, feeder busses to LRT terminals and intermediate stops, the institutional and regulatory aspects of joint LRT-railway operation, and the problem of the elderly and handicapped patrons.