5. Light rail operation: problems and solutions

SYNOPSIS. Light rail transit systems can fill the gap between low-investment, low-capacity bus and high-investment, high-capacity metropolitan railways. The paper discusses some operational problems within the light rail concept. The use of computerized operation control systems and transit orientated strategies for traffic light control are reviewed as adequate methods to overcome those problems.

INTRODUCTION

1. "Light rail transit systems can be developed in stages from a streetcar system that shares its right-of-way with other traffic to a transportation system which operates substantially on exclusive rights-of-way (underground, at grade,

elevated]". This definition given by the UITP-LRT commission reflects the fact that light rail transit has its role in the gap between bus and rapid transit systems (metropolitan railways).