What is it about?
Light-rail transit systems are being increasingly developed or expanded across the Globe. However, despite their relative high implementation costs and recognized strategic importance, few international comparative performance studies have been conducted. Furthermore, differences in performance across regions have been noted in a few studies, with systems operating in the United States usually reporting lower indicators. In this paper we sought to identify key factors associated with better and worse performance, and ranked a set of similar systems from two distinct global regions (Spain and the United States) using a set of multi criteria indicators. We also sought to better understand the differences in performance as well as suggest policies that could increase the performance of weaker systems. Key external and internal factors were identified and are discussed in the paper.
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Why is it important?
Helping society move towards a more sustainable relationship with our supporting natural systems is key for our resilience, adaptation, and survival in the context of rapid climate change. Implementation, and effective and efficient operation of city transit systems is a key part of this effort. Identifying key factors associated with strong and weak performing light-rail systems can help craft effective policies in both transportation and land-use domains that could help weaker systems improve their performance.
Perspectives
Results from the investigation shared in this paper, along previous studies, highlight the need to educate stakeholders and implement changes in the way that land development patterns, transportation and land-use policies, and urban design are implemented in the United States. Effective land-use and design policies are needed to improve city built environments and light-rail implementation for successful and efficient mass transit opportunities for all residents.
Dr. Luis Enrique Ramos-Santiago
University of Massachusetts Boston
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Identifying and understanding determinants of regional differences in light-rail patronage and performance, Case Studies on Transport Policy, April 2022, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2022.04.005.
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