Light Rail Transit Systems: 61 Lessons in Sustainable Urban Development shows how to design and operate light rail to maximize its social benefits. Readers will learn how to understand the value of light rail and tactics on its effective integration into communities. It uses strong supporting evidence and theory drawn from the author's team and their extensive experience in developing new light rail systems. The book uses numerous case studies to demonstrate how key concepts can bridge the geographic limitations inherent in many transit-related discussions. In addition, users will learn how to develop important relationships with local decision-makers and communities. - Presents applied research by experienced practitioners and academic researchers - Draws on more than 50 cases from Europe, the Middle East, the UK and US - Incorporates five themes on why it's important to invest in light rail, including effective mobility, and for an efficient city, economy, environment and equity - Includes a checklist for planning public transport projects

First published in 1985 by Moorland Press, The Light Railways of Britain & Ireland has remained unavailable for more than twenty-five years, until now. Re-released by Pen & Sword, this is a thorough and engaging book that covers, in depth, the fascinating story of Britain's last railway development, the Rural light railways, constructed as a result of the Light Railways Act 1896.Rigorously detailed, it charts the overall history of the last great railway boom in Britain the light railway boom from 1896, to the beginning of the Great War in 1914. During this period a large number of narrow and standard gauge lines were constructed in both Britain and Ireland, in order to serve and open up areas in both countries that, at the time, lacked adequate transport links. This book tells the story of how these lines were constructed and why, in most cases, they eventually failed, due to post-First World War road competition.Authored by two highly acclaimed writers of transport history, this is a true testament to, and a timely reminder of, Britain's last railway development.

Volume three in this series focuses on the basic principles of light pulse compression through chirp generation and compensation inside and outside the laser cavity. Traces the developmental of light railways from before the 1896 Light Railways Act, and places the failure of the subsequent expansion in the context of financial problems of the rail industry as a whole, due most especially to the concurrent rise of motor traffic. Assesses the impact on the remote areas served, and follows the form of transportation to its terminal decline between the wars. For historians and rail buffs. Distributed by St. Martin's. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This unique book is for anyone interested in how to justify and build light rail systems in the age of limited resources and green technologies. The historical introduction addresses how many of the problems faced by light rail promoters and planners are not new and how existing solutions can be used to save time and money. The planning chapter explains the process of route identification on the basis of travel patterns and maximizing modal switch. The engineering chapter shows the costs of infrastructure, equipping and commissioning a new light rail system. The economic evaluation chapter shows promoters how each line can be assessed for viability, comparing the capital cost of construction with expected revenue, including sensitivity to different fares, market conditions, and operating costs. In conclusion, the book reviews how to keep a light rail system attractive to riders and investors after opening.Key Features: --Presents solutions to problems faced by light rail developers and planners saving both time and costs --Discusses the process of route identification on the basis of travel patterns and maximizing modal switches --Details the cost structure of equipping and commissioning a new light rail system --Explains how each rail line can be assessed for viability, comparing capital costs of construction with expected revenue (including sensitivity to different fares and market conditions) and operating costs

TCRP report 155 provides guidelines and descriptions for the design of various common types of light rail transit (LRT) track. The track structure types include ballasted track, direct fixation ("ballastless") track, and embedded track. The report considers the characteristics and interfaces of vehicle wheels and rail, tracks and wheel gauges, rail sections, alignments, speeds, and track moduli. The report includes chapters on vehicles, alignment, track structures, track components, special track work, aerial structures/bridges, corrosion control, noise and vibration, signals, traction power, and the integration of LRT track into urban streets.

Narrow gauge railways, so well suited to difficult, mountainous terrain, were built in many of the UK's most scenic locations. Their genesis was in mines and quarries where they replaced manor horse-pulled wagons, but their adaptability meant that by the 1860s they were also carrying passengers, in some cases over quite considerable distances. Today a good proportion of all the important lines survive in the service of tourists, whose appreciation of the landscape, and the railways themselves, keep these relics of industrial Britain alive in all their variety. Peter Johnson has been researching and writing about narrow gauge lines for many years, and this is the perfect introduction to a rich and appealing corner of British railway history.