What Is Light Rail Transit?
Light Rail Transit (LRT) operates on steel rails and is normally powered by electricity from an overhead catenary wire. LRT can operate with a single rail car, or multiple rail cars can be connected together (called a “consist”) to carry more passengers when required without requiring additional car operators. In addition to electric cars, LRT can also use a diesel multiple unit (DMU) which is a rail passenger rail car that is powered by a self-contained diesel engine. DMUs do not require the overhead catenary wires which reduces construction cost and time. Some DMUs that meet federal crashworthy standards can operate on railroad tracks along with other types of rail, such as freight.
Light rail transit (LRT) is a type of mass transit system that uses rail cars that are generally of lighter weight than typical rail cars and is usually operated by electricity. The rails of such a system may also be narrower than that of standard railroad gauge. The system is not necessarily a new technology, but rather an update of street car technology that used to run in some cities. There are a few important differences. One of the major differences is that the light rail transit system is able to carry far more people than the older technology. Often, one or two other cars are connected to the lead car, making it like a small train. Though there is no rule setting a maximum amount of cars a light rail train may have, usually there are three or less per train. Though 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 m
