CRITERIA FOR THE CHOICE OF LIGHT RAIL SYSTEMS. UITP 48TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS, BUDAPEST, 1989 (LIGHT: CRITERIA FOR A CHOICE)

When an objective and systematic assessment is made, light rail usually proves to be the right solution to the traffic problems of cities. The report examines the advantages of light rail and presents bases for decision-making. The features of a light rail system are described including its flexibility, the ability to develop it by sections and its capacity to carry up to 25000 passengers an hour. Consideration is given to track design, stop islands, vehicle layout and train length. The success of light rail worldwide is found to be due to less investment being required than with a metropolitan system, the ability of the vehicles to integrate with the urban structure, new technological developments and comfortable travel. In choosing a system a systematic process must be followed to define the transport problem to be solved, the aims to be attained and expectations of the resulting scheme. Each of these areas is discussed in more detail from the point of view of the passenger, operator and public authorities. Factors which must be taken into account when considering funding are outlined and the advantages of light rail in this respect listed. Suggestions are made for financing operating deficits. Benefits to the public are assessed including reduced accident figures, reduced emissions and economical land use. It is concluded that light rail represents a feasible alternative to private transport that it will make a considerable contribution to the quality of urban life. Light rail schemes in Berlin, Budapest, Genoa, Grenoble, Istanbul, Lausanne, Manchester and Sacramento are described in a supplementary article. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 827940.