Otis Singleton
Light rail vehicles (LRVs) are a technological outgrowth of streetcars (trams). They are typically electrically powered, with electricity supplied via overhead lines. The first successful electrified trolley system was installed in Richmond, Virginia, in 1888. Light rail vehicles are distinguished from rapid rail transit (RRT) vehicles by their capability for operation in mixed traffic, generally resulting in a narrower body and articulation. They are also much heavier than RRT vehicles to prevent damage from impacts with cars. While most light rail systems are powered by electricity, some diesel-powered transit systems using light trains exist, such as the O-Train Trillium Line in Ottawa, Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Electric |
| Electricity Supply | Overhead electrical wires |
| Rail Gauge | Standard gauge |
| Number of Cars | 1-3, but can be more |
| Capacity | Medium-capacity |
| Usage | Metropolitan areas |
| Speed | Higher than streetcars |
| Operation | Driven by an operator onboard |
| Boarding | High platform or low-level |
| Maintenance | Standard railway maintenance equipment |
| Country | First used in the US |
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What You'll Learn
- Light rail vehicles are typically electrically powered
- Light rail systems are usually powered by overhead electrical wires
- Light rail vehicles are a technological outgrowth of streetcars
- Light rail systems reduce pollution and congestion
- Light rail vehicles are distinguished from rapid rail transit by their capability for operation in mixed traffic
Light rail vehicles are typically electrically powered
Light rail vehicles (LRVs) are typically electrically powered, drawing their power from overhead electric lines via a trolley pole or pantograph. This method of electrification has been in use since the late 19th century when it was first introduced for streetcars (trams). The vast majority of light rail systems are powered in this way, although some diesel-powered light rail systems do exist, such as the O-Train Trillium Line in Ottawa, Canada, and the River Line in New Jersey, USA.
The use of electricity to power light rail systems offers several advantages over diesel or other fuel sources. For example, electric light rail trains produce 99% less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions per mile than automobiles. This makes them an attractive option for urban areas looking to reduce air pollution and improve local air quality. Electric light rail systems can also be more cost-effective to operate and maintain than diesel systems, as they do not require the purchase and storage of large quantities of fuel.
In addition to their environmental and economic benefits, light rail systems offer a number of other advantages that have contributed to their adoption in cities around the world. Light rail vehicles can carry a larger number of passengers than buses or automobiles, helping to reduce traffic congestion and commute times. They are also generally more accessible than buses, with many light rail vehicles offering low-floor designs that provide easier boarding for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility.
Light rail systems are often segregated from street traffic, particularly in congested urban areas, which can help to improve the speed and reliability of the service. However, unlike rapid rail transit (RRT) vehicles, light rail vehicles are typically smaller and more manoeuvrable, allowing them to operate in mixed traffic environments and turn tighter curves. This flexibility in operation can help to reduce the overall cost of implementing a light rail system, as it may eliminate the need for expensive subway or elevated segments required by RRT systems.
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Light rail systems are usually powered by overhead electrical wires
Light rail systems are typically powered by electricity supplied by overhead wires. This is a defining feature of light rail systems, which are also known as light rail transit (LRT) or light rail vehicles (LRVs). The electricity is drawn from the overhead wires via a trolley pole or a pantograph.
The use of overhead electrical wires to power light rail systems has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for a narrower car body, which is necessary for LRVs to operate effectively in mixed traffic alongside regular automobiles. Secondly, it avoids the danger of passengers accidentally stepping on an electrified third rail, which is typically used by rapid rail transit (RRT) systems.
The vast majority of light rail systems use overhead electrical wires, with only a few exceptions. For example, some diesel-powered light rail systems exist, such as the O-Train Trillium Line in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and the River Line in New Jersey, United States. These diesel-powered systems are designated as diesel light rail transit (DLRT) and use diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains originally designed for mainline railroads.
The use of electricity to power light rail systems offers several benefits. Firstly, light rail vehicles are much more environmentally friendly than automobiles, producing nearly 99% less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions per mile. Additionally, the use of electricity allows for higher speeds and passenger volumes compared to traditional streetcars or trams.
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Light rail vehicles are a technological outgrowth of streetcars
Light rail vehicles (LRVs) are indeed a technological outgrowth of streetcars (trams). The term "light rail" was coined in 1972 in the United States as an English equivalent for the German word "Stadtbahn", meaning "city railway". The technology behind light rail vehicles, however, has origins in post-WWII West Germany, where many cities retained their streetcar networks, and some of these eventually evolved into model light rail systems.
The distinction between light rail and streetcars can be blurry, and there is a significant amount of overlap between the two technologies. In fact, it is common to classify streetcars or trams as a subcategory of light rail rather than as a distinct type of transportation. Light rail vehicles are typically driven electrically, with power being drawn from an overhead electric line, but some are diesel-powered.
Light rail vehicles are a form of passenger urban rail transit that uses rolling stock derived from tram technology while also having some features from heavy rapid transit. They are usually powered by overhead electrical wires and used for medium-capacity local transportation in metropolitan areas. Light rail transit lines are more segregated from street traffic than tramways, particularly in congested urban areas, but they are not as segregated as rapid transit (heavy rail) lines.
Light rail vehicles can range from trams running in streets along with other traffic, to semi-metro systems with portions of grade-separated track. They may have either high platform loading or low-level boarding using steps. Light rail cars are often coupled into multiple units of two to four cars, and they can operate in mixed traffic if required.
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Light rail systems reduce pollution and congestion
Light rail vehicles (LRVs) are typically electrically powered, drawing their power from overhead electric lines. They are a modern evolution of the tram or streetcar, offering greater capacity and speed.
The impact of light rail systems on congestion, travel time, and pollution has been the subject of much debate and research. Proponents of light rail systems argue that they can reduce traffic congestion and pollution, while critics contend that they may even exacerbate these issues.
Research based on data from mid-size European cities suggests that an increase in the supply of rail transport leads to reduced congestion, shorter travel times, and lower pollution levels. Specifically, cities with new rail systems were found to have 7% less congestion, 1% less travel time, and 3% less pollution compared to cities without rail systems. This impact is gradual and increases over time.
However, the 2002 Urban Mobility Report indicates that traffic congestion has increased in American cities with light-rail transit since the 1980s. This apparent contradiction can be attributed to the growth in the number of registered vehicles in these cities, even those with light-rail systems. Despite the intentions to reduce congestion, the number of vehicles in St. Louis County, for example, increased by 12% from 1993 to 1999, during the period when the MetroLink light-rail system was introduced.
Light rail systems can reduce pollution, but this is dependent on a significant number of light-rail passengers substituting rail transit for automobile use. If many light-rail passengers do not own cars and would otherwise use alternative forms of public transportation, the impact on pollution reduction may be minimal.
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Light rail vehicles are distinguished from rapid rail transit by their capability for operation in mixed traffic
Light rail vehicles (LRVs) are typically driven by electricity, with power drawn from overhead electric lines via a trolley or pantograph. However, some light rail networks are diesel-powered, such as the O-Train Trillium Line in Ottawa, Canada, and the River Line in New Jersey, US.
Light rail is a form of urban passenger rail transit, usually operating in metropolitan areas with medium-capacity local transportation needs. It is derived from tram technology but also incorporates features from heavy rapid transit systems. The term "light rail" was coined in 1972 in the US as an equivalent for the German "Stadtbahn", meaning "city railway".
Light rail vehicles are distinguished from rapid rail transit (RRT) by their ability to operate in mixed traffic. RRT vehicles, with their large size, large turning radius, and often electrified third rail, are restricted to segregated tracks and cannot navigate street environments. In contrast, LRVs are more flexible and can utilise existing streets, avoiding the costly construction of subways or elevated segments required by RRT. This adaptability of LRVs allows for the creation of mixed systems, where sections of the line may be described as tramways, light metros, or, in a narrow sense, rapid transit.
While light rail vehicles generally operate on exclusive rights-of-way, they can also share tracks with other traffic or run alongside streets, providing greater flexibility than heavy rail. This ability to operate in mixed traffic is the defining feature of light rail, setting it apart from rapid rail transit.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, light rail vehicles are typically driven electrically, with power being drawn from an overhead electric line via a trolley pole or a pantograph.
Light rail vehicles get their power from overhead electric lines.
Yes, some light rail systems are diesel-powered, such as the O-Train Trillium Line in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and the River Line in New Jersey, United States.
Yes, electric light rail vehicles produce nearly 99% less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions per mile than automobiles.
