Rapid Transit Office City of Hamilton Public Works Light Rail Technology Overview & Analysis Peter Topalovic Leslea Lottimer Mary‐Kaye Pepito April 2009 Final Revision Light Rail Technology Analysis Table of Contents 1. Project Overview...............................................................................................................................4 2. Light Rail Transit (LRT) Defined .........................................................................................................4 3. Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................................5 3.1 Rolling Stock .............................................................................................................................................. 6 3.1.1 Proposed System Specifications................................................................................................................................... 6 3.1.2 Bogies ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9 3.1.3 Pantograph................................................................................................................................................................. 10 3.2 Infrastructure........................................................................................................................................... 10 3.2.1 Road and Track Base .................................................................................................................................................. 11 3.2.1.1 Insulating and Resilient Materials ...................................................................................................................... 13 3.2.1.2 Ballast Depth Requirements for Traditional and Modern Track ........................................................................ 14 3.2.2 LRT Stations................................................................................................................................................................ 15 3.2.2.1 Station basics...................................................................................................................................................... 15 3.2.2.2 Station Location and Cost................................................................................................................................... 15 3.2.2.3 Station Design Examples .................................................................................................................................... 16 3.2.3 Subsurface Infrastructure........................................................................................................................................... 17 3.2.3.1 Utility‐free Zone ................................................................................................................................................. 17 3.2.3.2 Optimal LRT Corridor.......................................................................................................................................... 18 3.2.3.3 Cost of Infrastructure Impacts............................................................................................................................ 19 3.3 Fixed Equipment ...................................................................................................................................... 20 3.3.1 System Power Supply ................................................................................................................................................. 20 3.3.1.1 Overhead Catenary Power Supply...................................................................................................................... 21 3.3.1.2 Load Flow Study ................................................................................................................................................. 21 3.3.1.3 Catenary Types ................................................................................................................................................... 21 3.3.1.4 Third Rail Power Configurations......................................................................................................................... 22 3.3.1.5 Embedded Power Supply ‐ APS .......................................................................................................................... 23 3.3.1.6 Using Both Overhead and Third Rail – Dual Mode Power Distribution and Collection Technology (DMCC)..... 24 3.3.1.7 Experimental Power Systems – PRIMOVE Induction Power System.................................................................. 25 3.3.1.8 Power Systems Comparison ............................................................................................................................... 26 3.3.1.9 Fossil Fuel Equivalent Energy Use ...................................................................................................................... 27 3.3.2 Intelligent Systems ..................................................................................................................................................... 28 3.3.2.1 Transit Signal Priority (TSP) / Pre‐emption......................................................................................................... 28 3.3.2.2 Transit Signal Priority Example........................................................................................................................... 30 3.3.2.3 Transit Signal Priority Benefits Example............................................................................................................. 32 3.3.2.4 Transit Information Systems .............................................................................................................................. 32 4. Technological Challenges and Mitigation Strategies.......................................................................33 4.1 Standard Gauge vs. TTC Gauge................................................................................................................. 33 4.2 Grade Differences .................................................................................................................................... 34 4.3 Bridge Underpass........................................................................................................................................ 36 4.4 Vibration/Noise Mitigation .......................................................................................................................... 37 4.5 Stray Current and Corrosion Control .............................................................................................................. 37 March 30, 2009 Page 2 of 63 Light Rail Technology Analysis 4.6 Clearance Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 39 4.7 Relocation and Cost of Existing Subsurface Infrastructure ........................................................................ 39 5. Operating and Maintenance Financial Considerations ....................................................................40 5.1 What are Operating and Maintenance Costs? ................................................................................................. 40 5.2 Costing Issues............................................................................................................................................. 40 5.3 Examining Transit Data ................................................................................................................................41 5.4 Results ...................................................................................................................................................... 41 5.5 Analysis..................................................................................................................................................... 42 5.6 Other Research........................................................................................................................................... 43 5.7 Beyond Operating Costs............................................................................................................................... 43 6. Potential Market for Made‐in‐Hamilton Light Rail Vehicles and Systems........................................45 6.1 Locally Designed and Built............................................................................................................................ 45 6.1.1 Portland Iron Works ................................................................................................................................................... 45 6.1.2 European Experience.................................................................................................................................................. 45 6.1.3 MoveOntario 2020, Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and LRT.............................................................................. 45 6.2 Opportunities for Hamilton Manufacturing..................................................................................................... 46 6.3 An Inclusive Process .................................................................................................................................... 46 6.4 Fixed Infrastructure means Sustainable Prosperity .........................................................................................