Reducing the Visual Impact of Overhead Contact Systems

摘要

This report defines Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) and describes the function ofOCS for trolleybus and light rail systems. The report describes nonintrusive and intrusive designs, considering the overall visual impact of those designs on intersections or street segments and the complete effect that hardware has in any given location. It discusses the influence system design has on visual impact including the need for emergency wire and the use of one-way operation to minimize visual impact in trolleybus systems. Further, it investigates how the turning capability in trolleybus and light rail OCS design may have an effect on visual impact. The report considers the effect of curve design and the design of the electrical distribution systems on the appearance of light rail. An approach to evaluating the visual impact of trolleybus intersections is presented. This report concludes that the visual impact of OCS can only be reduced if such reduction is made a specific goal throughout the design process.