Light rail transportation is a public transportation system that uses lighter rail cars powered by electricity. It can transport more people than previous technology and can alleviate traffic congestion. It runs along highways and can be accessible for people with disabilities.
Light rail transportation (LRT) is a type of public transportation system that uses rail cars that are generally lighter than typical rail cars and are usually powered by electricity. The rails of such a system can also be narrower than those of the standard gauge. The system is not necessarily a new technology, but rather an update of the tram technology that used to work in some cities. There are some important differences.
One of the main differences is that the light rail transport system can transport many more people than the previous technology. Often one or two more cars are attached to the main car, making it like a small train. Although there is no rule stating the maximum number of cars a light rail can have, there are generally three or fewer per train.
Although there are more than 20 light rail transit systems in the United States, and others scattered throughout the world. More than a dozen are in various stages of planning, especially in cities where traffic has become a major problem. Many believe that a light rail transportation system could significantly alleviate traffic congestion problems in some areas. Many run along the right-of-way of major highways, thus mirroring the routes that many commuters take daily.
The speed of light rail transit systems in the United States averages just over 20 miles (32 km) per hour. The fastest in Denver, Colorado and Los Angeles, California can go almost 40 miles (64 km) per hour, but most are significantly slower. While that kind of speed may not impress anyone, it can be comparable to the average speed of traffic during rush hour. On days when congestion is particularly severe, it can even be faster than rush hour traffic. Also, with all the stops that buses make, the average speed of light rail is almost twice as fast.
In addition to running in a right-of-way for an existing highway, light rail can also be placed in many other areas. In some areas, it can function as an elevated train. In others, you can run short distances like one meter. In general, the systems tend to function at the same level as a highway.
Another enhancement to light rail transit is accessibility for people with disabilities. The light rail transit station will generally provide a platform that is on the same level as the floor of the train. This allows mobile-impaired people to get on and off the train with minimal disruption.
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