The use of existing rail rights-of-way in the development of British and North American light rail transit systems: Excellent opportunity or potential problem?

摘要

In North America and the United Kingdom, a renewed interest in the potential ability of rail transport to solve urban transport problems has partially manifested itself in support for Light Rail Transit (LRT). For many of the LRT lines that have been constructed/will be constructed, existing rail rights-of-way have been/will be a vital ingredient in the planning and construction process. This can be attributed to the simplified task of construction and lower construction costs afforded by their use. Experience gained with the Miami "Metrorail" rapid transit system, however, suggests that existing rail alignments do not necessarily serve the best interests of the travelling public. The thesis examines the Calgary LRT and the planned "Vancouver-Richmond Rapid Transit Project" and argues that in each case, greater emphasis upon a streetcar style of operation might be a better recipe for LRT success than simply using existing rail alignments for engineering and financial simplicity.