What is the Light Rail?

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Light Rail Transit or Light Railway is an improvised and electric powered urban rail-borne public transport. It runs faster. Moreover, it has higher capacity than conventional street-running tramcars but lower than that of metro and heavy rail systems. The term "Light Rail" refers to electric rail system operating mostly in classified rights-of-way unconnected from other traffic. However, if required can be merged with the rest of the traffic across several city lanes. Modern Light Rail is adaptable and flexible. Depending on its characteristics, Light Railway can be considered as a true rapid transit system.

What is the history behind a Light Railway?

In 1962, H. Dean Quinby put forward the basic concepts of Light Railway in an article called "Major Urban Corridor Facilities: A New Concept" in Traffic Quarterly. In 1972 the term LRT i.e. Light Rail Transit was introduced in North America. The operation of first Light Rail system began in 1978. Mass transit expansion of Los Angeles has been driven by Light Rail. In 1980s, Britain started replacing its dilapidated local railways with Light Railway system. The concept of Light Rail was firmly established in United Kingdom in 1992 with the accomplishment of Manchester Metrolink system.

What is a Light Rail Line?

A mode of transportation that comes together with the features of trains, street cars and metro or subway systems defines the Light Rail line. Often in urban areas, they are used to harmonize and replace active public mode of transportation like buses, subways or trams. A Light Rail line can run on both existing tracks of trains as well as the tracks especially built on city streets to allow passengers to commute from one place to another. The term Light Rail is the literal translation of the German term "stadtbahn" meaning "city rail" in English. In contrast to popular notion, a Light Rail line is not known so by its lighter weight than heavy rail systems. In fact, it often weighs as much or sometimes even more than regular trains and may ask for similar expenses for construction.

What are different types of Light Rail?

There are two broad versions of Light railways.

• The Traditional Type: In this case the tracks and trains lope along the streets sharing the space with rest of the street traffic. Generally, tracks are visually inconspicuous due to the shared space. Light Rail stops very frequently with no special stations being set up.
• The Modern Variation: In this case the trains run on their personal right-of-way separated from rest of the road’s traffic. It stops less frequently and has special stations and platforms for passenger boarding. Tracks are made highly conspicuous. Moreover, considerable effort are made to keep the traffic away by using special level crossings with gate arms or signalling and sometimes non-level crossings for complete separation. 

What are the Advantages  and disadvantages of a Light Rail?

Advantages:

• Light Rail is clean and green. It doesnot emit any pollutants.
• It is a much safer, speedier, and comfortable transportation mode compared to car or buses as it avoids traffic congestions.
• Compatible with pedestrian, it is affordable and versatile. Light Rail can easily penetrate narrow historic centres and can also run at high speed on separate ways. It is also capable of running smoothly on inclined planes well as underground.
• When snow or ice defeats road vehicles, Light Rail comes as a reliable option for commuters. With much ease, it can cope with steep inclines and rigid curves.

Disadvantages:

•  In case of a breakdown, Light Rail cannot be re-routed.
• If required, it cannot overtake one another.
• It causes a permanent inconvenience to motorists as they always have to stop behind the passengers getting on and off the trains and at the places where lanes are lost.

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