What is Light Rail Transit?
The Definition of LRT from the Transportation Research Board
In order to make the case for Light Rail Transit (LRT) it would be helpful to fully understand the term. So, here are some comprehensive definitions:
A simple, clear statement of light rail transit's characteristics is found in the definition adopted in the spring of 1976 by the Transportation Research Board Committee on Light Rail Transit:
Light rail transit is a mode of urban transportation utilizing predominantly reserved but not necessarily grade-separated rights-of-way. Electrically propelled rail vehicles operate singly or in trains. LRT provides a wide range of passenger capabilities and performance characteristics at moderate costs.
| The Definition of LRT from the CA Dept of Transportation | Light Rail in Salt Lake City |
| Light rail transit (LRT) is an electrically powered two-rail technology capable of providing a broad range of passenger capacities, operating as single vehicles or in short trains on a variety of alignment types. LRT is more than a vehicle technology. It is a mode combining vehicle technology very similar to that of streetcars, but operating primarily on a partially controlled right-of-way. The distinguishing feature of the light rail concept is its provision to operate safely and effectively through at-grade conflict points. While acceptable standards of safety and effectiveness may vary from application to application, it is this provision which determines if a rail transit system should be classed as light rail. Most of the features commonly identified with light rail are also found on other modes, such as low platforms, short trains or electric operation. The central issues in light rail planning are the implications and opportunities arising from the mode's at-grade capabilities and the technology and right-of-way designs which have evolved to exploit this feature of light rail to the fullest. A rail transit system which is fully grade separated can at times be described as light rail if its technology and method of operation make it capable of operating at grade. This situation could occur on a new system if the first line of the system was the most heavily patronized, was in the most congested location, or was a line requiring unusually high operating speeds. | |
| Such a line might well be constructed partially or completely grade separated. Nevertheless, the mode would be classified as light rail if such a system retained the capability to be extended at grade where appropriate. Fully automated rail transit systems exclude light rail. Some automation on selected segments of a light rail network, such as in subway, would not necessarily prevent other segments from functioning as light rail, but it is unlikely that automatically operated trains and light rail trains under manual control would operate on the same network. | |
The Definition of LRT from the WA Dept of Transportation
Light rail refers to the number of riders that the train can carry, not the weight. Light rail trains provide passenger service within a city and its suburbs. They operate on their own tracks—they don't share tracks with commuter rail, Amtrak, or freight trains—but sometimes share right-of-way with automobiles. They also run at frequent intervals and typically run not only in commute hours but also during the day, weekends, and evenings.
- Sound Transit is developing Link light rail in the greater Seattle area. While this service is not yet under construction, you can visit the Sound Transit website to learn more about their plans for the new service.
- Portland's MAX is a great example of successful light rail service. Visit the Tri-Met website to learn more.
- The SkyTrain in Vancouver, BC connects communities throughout the metro area. Visit the Translink website to learn more.
- Other rail transit services in Washington State include Seattle's Waterfront Streetcar and the Monorail.