INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT MODE MEETS WORLDWIDE SUCCESS

In this article, the author describes key advances in light rail transit and how these may influence the mode's development over the next 10 to 15 years. He predicts that the use of composite materials and regenerative breaking may lead to lighter vehicles operating with greater energy efficiency. In addition, rubber-tired guided transport could allow operation beyond the limits of track and overhead lines. Greater standardization in the design and testing of light rail vehicles could help to decrease unit cost. Integrating light rail lines into transportation networks is also important. In Saarbrucken, light rail crosses a national border for the first time using a section of the French National Railway network.