01088360

Component

This paper provides an overview about the evolution of light rail transit (LRT) systems over a 25-year period, from 1981 to 2005 (the most recent year for which LRT data is available), based on data gathered by the author from information published by the Federal Transit Administration (and its predecessor the Urban Mass Transit Administration), the Volpe Center and the American Public Transit Association. The paper summarizes how the implementation of light rail transit systems in the United States has grown from seven systems in 1981, most of which were legacies from the original streetcar systems, to 28 systems in 2005. The paper describes changes not only in the number of reporting systems, but also on the physical aspects of these systems (trackage, right of way types, at grade crossings) and their service characteristics (speed, travel times, ridership). A definition of a prototypical light rail system is provided at the conclusion of the paper.

01084478

08-2444

English

15p

2008

Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (11) ; References (5) ; Tables (6)

Implementation; Light rail transit; Light rail transit grade crossings; Public transit; Ridership; Right of way (Traffic); Systems analysis; Transit operating agencies; Travel time

United States

Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Research; Terminals and Facilities

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2008 Paper #08-2444

TRIS, TRB

Jan 29 2008 4:51PM