Light Rail Transporation Systems Overview
Light rail transportation systems are comprised of ground-level or elevated short traincars that serve metropolitan areas. Light rail systems usually operate along a rail line that is separate from roadways, but in some cases the rail can be built into streets. The purpose of light rail transportation is to provide an alternative to cars that can move more quickly between destinations than buses because it is not subject to traffic congestion.
RATIONALE
The immediate benefit of light rail transportation is that it helps reduce dependency on automobiles, thus reducing peak traffic flow and vehicle miles traveled. Another important benefit is increased community connectivity within the light rail system. People can more easily reach destinations, and over the long-term, business centers may develop along light rail stops.
EFFORT REQUIRED
As with all transportation systems, developing the infrastructure necessary for a light rail system is costly and can take years to complete. However, the benefits of a light rail system can offset this cost by making the city more accessible for pedestrians and more connected, thus increasing economic development potential.
BENEFITS
Environmental benefits of light rail transportation systems include lower greenhouse gas emissions due to reduced automobile use. Light rail also makes it easier to use local services, thus increasing community connectivity.
ACTION AGENT(S)
The main decision makers in developing a light rail system are local and state transportation departments and authorities.
COSTS
Light rail infrastructure can be extremely costly to build and maintain.
Greenhouse gases are a part of the Earth's atmosphere and are both naturally occurring and the result of human chemical processes. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluourocarbons. These gases trap heat and thus contribute to the warming of the planet. See also CFCS and GREENHOUSE EFFECT.
