PART 4: Rail Transit: New Vehicle Options for Lower-Cost Rail Mobility: Using Diesel or Dual-Powered Light Rail Cars as a Transfer of Technology

Abstract

An exciting opportunity exists to transfer innovative transit technology and operating scenarios from Europe to North America. There is a need to demonstrate a range of mobility options using efficient and cost-effective new technologies to maximize the use of available rail rights of way. The use of a new generation of self-propelled diesel power cars (DMU) or dual-powered electric light rail vehicles (LRVs) combined with changes in operations and organization can provide a low-cost way to operate efficient rail service on marginal lines. Two types of DMUs and two applications of dual-powered LRVs are described, both of which have been demonstrated in North America. These demonstrations represent commitment by the manufacturer and the operator to seek new solutions from overseas. Whereas each type of DMU fits a specific niche, they both offer a clear indication of the potential for this type of vehicle. Also suitable for technology transfer are dual-powered electric light rail cars now used in Karlsruhe and Amsterdam. The Karlsruhe system extends a city tramway system out into the region on standard rail lines. The Amsterdam operation brings a suburban light rail line into the city center by sharing the existing subway. Cleveland’s Shaker Heights Light Rail Line also reaches the city center by sharing tracks with a rapid transit line. Each combines the use of existing infrastructure into a cost-effective package. Planning in New York and Philadelphia includes a potential application of light rail dual-powered technology and track sharing. Although outside the scope of this study, both Japan and Korea have demonstrated the feasibility of similar track sharing for heavy rail services. Strategies for operating these new vehicle concepts are identified: ( a) track sharing with freight railroads or metros, ( b) providing separate time windows for non-FRA-compliant vehicles, ( c) FRA compliance, ( d) Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, ( e) fare collection, and ( f) other institutional and labor issues.