Transit LIGHT-RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) COST

Source: www.dart.org TIME MODERATE/LONG

STATE ON REGI AL IMPACT LOCAL RID OR OR C SPOT WHO HURDLES

TRANSIT AGENCY/ FUNDING CITY

More Information: tti.tamu.edu/policy/how-to-fix-congestion SUCCESS STORIES

Description • Provides greater flexibility in Dallas, Texas Light-rail transit (LRT) is rapid transit station location and routes than Dallas Area Rapid Transit opened that operates electric-powered single other rail systems. its first 20-mile starter line (the cars or short trains on fixed rails. Light • Promotes economic and land Red Line) in June 1996. Ridership refers to lighter passenger capacity, development along corridors and quickly exceeded the agency’s stations through improved access not the physical weight of the vehicles. expectations and as of 2014: Today’s LRT originates from traditional and mobility. streetcar systems but is redesigned to • Attracts more riders from other run faster and carry more passengers modes. 4 lines over greater distances in a metropoli- • Is environmentally friendly. 90 miles tan area. Implementation Issues Weekly ridership: Target Market LRT requires a large initial investment 96,300 LRT best provides quick and cost-ef- in infrastructure and generally cannot fective service for interurban trans- operate without government funding. Before a system can be self-sufficient, portation in a metropolitan area. LRT Boston, Massachusetts service addresses a gap between local it requires subsidies from local, state, The Massachusetts Bay buses and heavy rail. LRT can flexibly and federal sources (usually from Transportation Authority’s carry large volumes of commuters to sales taxes or grants) for a certain and from the city center with higher period of time. For LRT operating on Green Line is the most heavily speeds than local buses and at a lower existing local streets, transit agencies used light-rail line in the United cost than heavy rail. often provide street benches, addi- States. tional shade, and amenities to attract How Will This Help? local bicycle and pedestrian users to Most used line in the U.S. with 69 million • Provides cost-effective service increase ridership. annual ridership on high-volume corridors. LRT (as of 2014). has a higher capacity than buses (including bus rapid transit) and requires a significantly smaller investment than highways, heavy rail, and commuter rail.