NEW LIFE FOR LIGHT RAIL

With the increasing use of automobiles, the streetcar almost disappeared from North American cities. The recent renaissance of light rail now finds almost as many cities building new systems as there were survivors of the previous trolley age. This intermediate-capacity mode is suited for moving 5,000 to 20,000 riders per hour in each direction. A key in the current LRT concept is that of exclusive right of way, although it need not be grade separated. With the prospects of funding from the Highway Trust Fund and increased local autonomy in choice and implementation of transit systems, there are new opportunities for LRT. Some guidelines in developing new systems are given. A table, Light rail in North America, summarizes existing and projected systems.