01044152

Component

http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/155725.aspx

The linear expansion (i.e., lengthening) of light rail transit (LRT) and rail rapid transit (RRT) lines causes a lengthening of trip times beyond what might be considered reasonable for these transit modes, and also impacts capacity along the line. Service patterns on most LRT and RRT double-track lines can generally be characterized as “plain vanilla,” i.e., all trains make all stops. The second edition of the "Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual" is one example of an emergent industry standard that makes no mention of express operations on LRT other than to note occasional use of “demand stops,” although several examples are available in current practice. More specifically, this document inadequately describes the benefits and methods of various types of express service, herein referred to as “expedited” service. In fact, various forms of expedited service have historically been provided on two-track systems, and a number of such significant operations exist today. This paper presents the methods, benefits, and system design (i.e., track, station, signaling) characteristics that are essential if expedited services are to be provided. It suggests that further research be conducted into documenting current expedited service practices and their benefits for incorporation into future editions of the manual. It particularly suggests that more attention be focused on the importance of the relationship between rail systems and railway operations in network design.

01044135

English

pp 194-213

2007-1

Transportation Research Circular

Light Rail Transit: A World of Applications and Opportunities. Joint International Light Rail Conference

Web

Figures (7) ; References; Tables (2)

Express service; Light rail transit; Line extensions (Rail transit); Rapid transit; System design

Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual

Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation

TRIS, TRB

Mar 15 2007 10:01AM

• A Comparative Discussion of the Light Rail Transit Mode and the Bus Rapid Transit Initiative
• A Report on the Status of Planning for MetroLink Expansion in the St. Louis Region
• Analysis of St. Louis MetroLink Performance
• Applying the Versatility of Streetcar Technology to North American Urban Transit
• Calgary's CTrain: Effective Capital Utilization
• Center Truck Performance on Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicles
• Comparative Performance of Public Transport in U.S. New Start Rail Cities Versus Bus-Only Cities
• Construction of the Newark City Subway Broad Street Extension
• Crashworthiness Standards for the U.S. Light Rail Environment
• Evaluation of Multiple-Unit Streetcar Operation in Toronto, Canada
• Fare Evasion in Light Rail Systems
• Feasibility of Combined Rail–Road Transport System in the Netherlands
• How Much Do We Really Know? An Evaluation of Past and Current Research Regarding the Costs and Benefits of the Hiawatha Light Rail Line
• Implementing a Winning Approach to Good Facility Design
• Incident-Friendly and Secure Light Rail Vehicle Design
• Innovative Traffic Control Practices for Light Rail Transit: A European Perspective
• Light Rail Transit in Calgary: The First 25 Years
• Regional Transportation District Light Rail Central Corridor Capacity Analysis
• Regulations and Standards: A Double-Edged Sword
• Safety of Noncompliant Passenger Rail Equipment
• Service Planning On Hudson–Bergen Light Rail: The Systems Engineering Basis
• Shortline Railroads and Rail Transit: Joint Development Planning Issues
• Status of North American Light Rail Transit Systems: Year 2006 Update
• Surface Rail Service and Surface Transit Ridership: A Statistical Inquiry
• Using Climate Response in Designing Fixed Guideway Stations and Bus Passenger Shelters: An Application in Phoenix, Arizona