4. LRT Evolution

Light rail transit (LRT) is one of the fastest modes of public transport infrastructural development worldwide. Its origins go back to the late 1960s and 1970s when a number of German cities in particular coupled trams and ran them on fully or partial ROW lines. LRT became an effective and economical method for meeting public transit needs through pre-metro or semi-metro transportation systems. This said Edmonton claims to be the world’s first purpose built LRT system, first opened in 1978. Since 1970 there have been over 100 LRT systems built world wide.

In 1987 Melbourne converted the former St Kilda and Port Melbourne heavy rail lines to partial LRT and the city is undergoing a gradual and indeed long term transition from metropolitan tramway system to LRT network. Sydney in the 1990s and 2010s reintroduced trams with an LRT line  placed mostly along a disused rail corridor. The Gold Coast, Newcastle and Canberra now have recently introduced LRT lines. LRT systems wherever running surface or sub-surface are generally less costly compared with rapid transit heavy rail and have the benefits of access to streets as traditional tramways have. LRT can likewise have its own exclusive ROW corridors such as with metro rail systems. Generally LRT vehicles are articulated trams and potentially have faster running speeds, fewer stops to traditional street bound tramways and higher passenger load capabilities (PAX).