URBAN RAIL TRANSIT- AN APPRAISAL

The overall aim of this study is to survey the urban rail systems either currently in use or being planned in cities throughout the world. All forms of urban rail are considered, but emphasis is given to light rapid transit (light rail transit, or lrt). The study surveys the field of urban rail systematically by topic in part one. Sections are provided on: (a) definitions; (b) a survey of urban rail systems currently in operation, under construction or being planned throughout the world (medium and light rail, tram, tramways and trolley bus systems); (c) new technology -this includes the guided bus systems in Essen and Adelaide, advanced light rapid transit system, aramis, astroglide, bombardier monorail, h-bahn, maglev, m-bahn, mini metro, newtram, portliner, tau, val, vona-one and westinghouse agt; (d) capacity and ridership; (e) costs and funding; (F) responsibilities for operation in cities in France, West Germany, USA and Canada; and (g) technical specification. Part two describes the following case studies: (a) the grenoble tramway; (c) the Gothenburg tramway; (c) the bremen strassenbahnen; (d) light rail in Edmonton and Calgary; (E) the Marseille, Lyon and lille metros; and (f) Munich. Proposals for lrt in British cities are outlined in the appendix. (Author/TRRL)