Light Rail Developers' Handbook

Lewis Lesley

Aug 2011 · J. Ross Publishing

About this ebook

“This is an excellent handbook that clearly sets out the main facets of tramway design, development and implementation. I found it an inspiring read and I do hope others will take heed of the volume of good advice.”
—David Keay, Her Majesty’s Principal Inspector of Railways 

"I absolutely loved reading this book and it helped me realize that the conditions for our proposed line are nearly optimal in terms of operational profitability. What we have may be the first profitable transit line in America."
—John Krause, CEO, Chicago Streetcar Co.

This unique book is for anyone interested in how to justify and build light rail systems in the age of limited resources and green technologies. The historical introduction addresses how many of the problems faced by light rail promoters and planners are not new and how existing solutions can be used to save time and money. The planning chapter explains the process of route identification on the basis of travel patterns and maximizing modal switch. The engineering chapter shows the costs of infrastructure, equipping and commissioning a new light rail system. The economic evaluation chapter shows promoters how each line can be assessed for viability, comparing the capital cost of construction with expected revenue, including sensitivity to different fares, market conditions, and operating costs. In conclusion, the book reviews how to keep a light rail system attractive to riders and investors after opening.

Ratings and reviews

chapter 4 was missing.

About the author

Professor Lewis Lesley is a chartered professional engineer and registered professional engineer who does substantial consulting work for major bus operators, local authorities and rail operators throughout the U.K. and the world. He graduated from Kings College London with a BSc in Mathematics and Physics and received his Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering from Strathclyde University. Dr. Lesley has published more than 200 technical papers in refereed international journals and is the author or editor of 25 books. He has held posts as Public Transport Officer, Durham County Council; Reader in Transport, Liverpool Polytechnic; Professor of Transport Science, Liverpool JM University; and Technical Director, TRAM Power Ltd. In addition, he has been a Visiting Professor at Budapest Technical University, Delft Technical University, National University of Ireland in Maynooth, Széchenyi István University, Rice University, and Leeuwarden Hogeschool.