What is Light Rail?
Light Rail is a modern, electrically powered form of public transport, which runs on rails and combines the speed, safety and high capacity of conventional trains, with the flexibility of buses. It looks like a modern train but is much smaller as well as being easily accessible for passengers. The vehicles are generally about 30 metres long and 2.5 metres wide and can fit in a standard traffic lane or their own lane separated from other traffic. Light rail often has a priority signalling system, which allows it to move through intersections without slowing down at traffic signals. The vehicles draw their power from slimline overhead wiring.
What form of transport allows you to travel about town smoothly, comfortably, quietly, looks great, doesn’t spew out noxious fumes over pedestrians, reaches right into city centre pedestrianised areas, doesn’t need parking, is economical to use, runs so frequently you don’t need a timetable, and generally makes city life that bit more civilised when everything else is making it less civilised? There – you knew the answer all along – Light Rail! The modern term “Light Rail” embraces tramways but goes further – and faster – than traditional tramways – and so much more smoothly and even with style and “pizazz”. These are all Light Rail!! Light rail is • Clean and green – enhances the environment – no emissions at street level • Safe – many times safer than car travel • Speedy – short journey times • Avoids traffic congestion – through segregation and priority • Smooth – no violent movements vertically, laterally, or backwards/forwards • Comfortable • Compatible with pedestrians in pedestr
