PLANNING LIGHT RAIL IN DUTCH TOWNS

RBOI planning and design consultancy has been involved in studies for the following light rail projects in The Netherlands: (1) the Rijn Gouwe line in the Gouda-Leiden region; (2) Light rail in the Groningen region; and (3) Randstadrail between Rotterdam and The Hague. RBOI's contribution to these studies concerned the choice of route and the spatial planning and design aspects in urban areas. The conclusions we have drawn from these three studies are: (1) The high expectations for light rail systems cannot be realised without good spatial planning and urban design solutions; (2) The location of the terminus is an important element determining the image and attraction of light rail systems; (3) The scale and high-quality image of light rail must correspond with the character and quality of the urban environment and the streets it passes through. If possible, light rail lines should not run through narrow pedestrianised shopping streets or backstreets; (4) In historic towns, creative solutions can usually be found to accommodate the space requirements of light rail links (cross-sections, own free way or lane' minimum radius) in an acceptable way; (5) Focusing on the central town must not lead to neglect of the other urban areas in a region; it may be necessary to extend existing lines to bring these places into the network; and (6) Designing light rail routes through urban areas does not mean hiding them underground. A (light) railway line is not only a barrier, it can also be seen as a meeting place with the 'other side', and a station in the neighbourhood provides links to 'the outside world'. This calls for high quality architecture and urban design. For the covering abstract see IRRD E102382.