1. Light Rails: A Potential Solution to Global Climate Change?
Benjamin Sundy
The University of Montana
Climate Change: Science and Society
Department of Geography
May 6, 2008

2. Overview What is a light rail?
What’s so good and not so good about them?
What is the current status of light rails in the U.S.A?
Are they really a sustainable step in the right direction?

3. What is a Light Rail?
Trams
Streetcars
Trolleys
Railborn Vehicles

4. Pros of LRT Swift and smooth accelerating and breaking
Decrease vehicle congestion
LRT can adapt to the number of passengers by adding additional cars during rush hour (as well as removing excess cars during off-peak hours).
In general, LRT provide a higher capacity service than buses.
Maintain higher overall speed than busses

5. Cons of LRT Very expensive capital investment
Can be confusing when operating in mixed traffic
Tram infrastructure occupies urban space above ground and requires modifications to traffic flow.
Rail lines are dangerous to bicycles with skinny tires
In the event of a mechanical failure, the whole system can be unable to function

6. Yikes!

7. Current Status of LRT in U.S.
Roughly 30 LRT systems in operation today
Mostly in Major Cities
First LRT in
San Diego, CA in 1981
Not widely used

8. What the Critics Say
Modern urban development is not conducive for fixed line transit systems.
The speed of light rail cannot compete with that of the personal automobile.
Light rail does not generate a sufficient return on capital investment to make its initial capital investment worthwhile.