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Title:

LIGHT RAIL WITHOUT WIRES: A DREAM COME TRUE?
Cover of LIGHT RAIL WITHOUT WIRES: A DREAM COME TRUE?

Accession Number:

00972195

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

N/A
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Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00978515

Abstract:

Since the dawn of electrification over a century ago, overhead wires have been used to convey electrical power and communications to offices, factories, and homes. Transportation, too, in the form of streetcars, and more recently, light rail vehicles, has commonly used overhead wires to transfer power to vehicles. Many people consider these wires to be unsightly and undesirable, but reluctantly accept them as a necessary evil because of a lack of practical alternatives. Only a few cities have managed to run significant streetcar systems without overhead wires for any length of time and all such systems are now defunct. In recent years, new technological developments in hybrid vehicles and ground level switched contact systems are at last showing signs of offering some practical alternative solutions. For light rail applications, the most promising development is the INNORAIL ground level switched contact system now being applied to the new light rail system in Bordeaux, France, which will be examined in detail. Based on the significant progress being made there, it seems likely the dream of having a practical alternative to overhead wires will be coming true in the very near future.

Supplemental Notes:

Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

Report/Paper Numbers:

E-C058

Language:

English

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 United States

Authors:

Swanson, J D

Pagination:

p. 729-744

Publication Date:

2003-11

Serial:

Transportation Research Circular

Issue Number: E-C058
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0097-8515

Conference:

Experience, Economics, and Evolution--From Starter Lines to Growing Systems. 9th National Light Rail Transit Conference

Location: Portland, Oregon
Date: 2003-11-16 to 2003-11-18
Sponsors: Transportation Research Board, and American Public Transportation Association

Features:

Figures; Photos

Geographic Terms:

Bordeaux (France)

Subject Areas:

Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Apr 23 2004 12:00AM