STATUS OF NORTH AMERICAN LRT SYSTEMS: 1992 UPDATE

Previous summaries of light rail transit (LRT) systems have covered reconstruction of systems surviving from the first generation of electric railway development and initiation of service on seven completely new lines. This update provides tables that include the eighth all-new project (the Long Beach-Los Angeles Blue Line), as well as extensions and improvements elsewhere. Significant events of the past 3 years include the opening of new lines and line extensions in San Diego, Calgary, Edmonton, San Francisco, and Toronto, and completion in Santa Clara County (San Jose) of the full 32.8-km (20.4-mi) Guadalupe Corridor LRT project. Other cities have purchased additional light rail vehicles (LRVs) and added stations. Sacramento is increasing its double track from 40% to 60% of total line length. Progress continues in other U.S., Canadian, and Mexican cities that are building, designing, and planning LRT systems. Several North American transit agencies are seriously considering low-floor LRVs, and cities planning LRT also are being introduced to the concept. However, a design is needed that provides low-level entries but that also builds on proven technology to meet North American criteria for crashworthiness and fire safety. New projects continue to illustrate the flexibility and effectiveness of LRT in providing quality service at affordable prices. Efforts to expand all the new LRT systems demonstrate LRT's acceptance by the riding public. The next decade should see more new projects implemented and existing systems extended or upgraded.