Comparison of Light Rail Systems in Turkey with the Method of Comparative Standard Determination

Abstract

In today's urban structure, the selection of public transport systems that can respond to the demands for people to travel more comfortable and faster is essential. Considering the comfort and speed at issue, the demand for rail systems in urban public transport is increasing day by day. Due to their characteristics such as high capacity, speed, safety and comfort, rail systems play an important role in meeting the transport demands of large cities. All of these features give the rail systems ample opportunities.In this study, the five large cities in Turkey (Ankara, Bursa, Adana, Kayseri and Samsun) have been considered, and by using the Method of Comparative Benchmarking, it has been determined how efficiently the light rail transit systems actively operated in these cities were used. It has been also discussed how the systems which were below the average could increase their performances by following the operation policies of other systems that work efficiently. The systems to be analyzed with the method of comparative standard determination are evaluated by taking into account a process that consists of four stages. These four stages are Self-Assessment, Selection of Similar Systems, Determination of Indicators, and Comparison and Determination of the Threshold Values for Efficiency, respectively.As a result of the study carried out, it has been concluded that the Bursa Light Rail System is the most efficient system. The Bursa Light Rail System having the longest line among the five systems has proven to be made with a proper planning study, remaining above the average in terms many indicators. The most surprising result of the study has been the Adana Light Rail System. It has been seen that the Adana Light Rail System planned to be converted into the rail rapid transit system in the future is the most inefficient system.