Light Rail Transit Project Research Articles

Toward a Better Understanding of the Construction Impacts of a Light Rail System in Montréal, Canada

Large-scale transport infrastructure projects generate long-lasting changes in the built environment and alter the lives of nearby residents. It is crucial to understand public perceptions of public-transit projects and associated construction impacts, as they influence the social acceptance and eventual success of such projects. To characterize the construction-phase experiences of a new light rail in Montréal, Canada—the Réseau express métropolitain (REM)—we analyzed data from 1,236 respondents from the Greater Montréal region who self-reported ongoing construction activities near their homes. This study employs an exploratory factor and k-means cluster analysis to group residents by their different experiences and perceptions of the REM and its associated construction impacts. The analysis returned five clusters with distinct construction experiences: construction-concerned travelers, REM-critical respondents, neutral travelers, REM enthusiasts, and rerouted travelers. Subsequently, the acceptability of the impacts during the construction phase on each cluster is assessed by comparing perceptions of the impact of neighborhood change on their quality of life and their intention to use the REM. Finally, we derive targeted policy recommendations to help promote increased social acceptability of light-rail transit (LRT) projects, including mitigating disruptions in construction zones, public information campaigns, and inclusive decision-making processes. Findings from this study can benefit policymakers and transport planners as they aim to reduce the disruptions associated with the construction of LRT systems and promote increased social acceptability.

The Erasure of a Black Sense of Place for Capital Accumulation: The Case of Little Jamaica

Little Jamaica, a Black community in North-Western Toronto, has been a site of belonging for members of the Caribbean and African diaspora for more than 70 years. However, the community is on the brink of erasure due to the multi-billion-dollar Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Due to the denial of Little Jamaica as a heritage conservation district, the city has allowed for its destruction for capital accumulation. By exploring the complex relationship between a Black sense of place, urban planning and capital interests, this paper will examine the distressing case of Little Jamaica. In order to protect Black communities and support Black futures, we must challenge systemic anti-Blackness in urban planning.

Theoretical Foundation for Pricing Climate-Related Loss and Damage in Infrastructure Financing

This paper presents a novel theoretical framework for incorporating climate risks and adaptation investments into infrastructure debt pricing. Utilizing the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), the framework extends the conventional modeling of infrastructure project revenues and costs to include climate risk considerations. It proposes three climate-informed revenue and cost formulations: adjustmentment of mean and standard deviation, incorporation of extreme climate events via Pareto and Poisson distributions, and a climate-informed cost model that includes adaptation investment. The paper demonstrates the application of this model in pricing a loan for a Light Rail Transit project in Costa Rica, introducing the concepts of “flood risk premium” and “adaptation curves”. This study not only offers a novel lens through which to view infrastructure investment under climate uncertainty but also sets the stage for transformative policy and practice in financial risk assessment, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.

Noise Pollution Near to the Construction Site in an Urban Area (A Case Study in Shah Alam)

In the new era of modernisation, numerous construction and urbanisation project were conducted in Malaysia, especially in the urban area. Without neglecting the purpose of modernisation, noise emission from construction and urbanisation projects should be highlighted. High levels of noise commonly occur in urban areas where there are residential, commercial and educational areas. Traffic noise itself has affected the health of the community nearby and with the presence of construction projects, noise pollution has increased. In this study, two locations have been chosen as a case study, where the area in Seksyen 7 and Seksyen 9, Shah Alam. The purpose of this study is to investigate either the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is one of the contributors to noise pollution or not. There are two methods of study were chosen which is a set of questionnaires is distributed to the community who live nearby the construction site to evaluate the effect of noise pollution and the acceptance of the community towards noise emission from construction site. Other than that, noise level is also measured using Decibel X application to strengthen the finding through the questionnaires. It is proved that the noise emission from construction sites is disturbing and affects the community’s health. The calculated LAeq also showed that the construction site was noisier compared to non-construction site for both weekdays and weekends.

Zoning In on Transit-Oriented Development

Problem, research strategy, and findings Transit-oriented development (TOD) has been widely encouraged as a strategy to limit urban sprawl, increase urban density, and enhance neighborhood diversity. Federal and regional governments have been increasingly promoting such TOD in parallel with light rail transit (LRT) projects to foster sustainable transitions. Little is known, however, about the processes through which municipalities have made changes to existing land use regulations to achieve TOD goals. In this article we trace changes in municipal plans and bylaws surrounding a CA$7 billion LRT in Montréal (Canada) that opened in summer 2023, 7 years after its announcement. Specifically, we analyzed whether changes in municipal bylaws conformed to TOD plans recommended by the metropolitan government while exploring local barriers to zoning reform. Through policy and spatial analysis, we found that only a limited number of municipalities made sufficient bylaw changes between 2016 and 2022 to support TOD plans aimed at implementing mixed-use zoning, increasing urban density, and reducing parking ratios. Through an analysis of rezoning processes, we see an opportunity for improved multilevel cooperation, public engagement activities, and positive communication strategies in the process of building integrated transport and land use systems. Takeaway for practice These findings can aid planners and policymakers in understanding the importance of reforming municipal zoning bylaws and regional approaches to TOD, strengthening collaboration between different levels of government, and engaging in meaningful public consultation practices to foster an integrated transport and land use approach. If LRT projects are to be successful in meeting sustainability goals, greater engagement with land use regulations across multiple scales is needed to facilitate TOD.

Analyzing Sociodemographic Factors Influencing Citizen Participation: The Case of Infrastructure Planning in Khon Kaen, Thailand

While public participation (PP) is a legal requirement for mega projects in most countries, some PP processes are perceived as the ceremonial fulfilment of obligations without the adequate involvement of citizens. However, limited empirical studies have explored the individual factors of PP in infrastructural development. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study investigated the sociodemographic factors influencing citizen participation in the light rail transit (LRT) project in Khon Kaen, Thailand by using sequential mixed methods to quantify and gain an in-depth understanding of citizen participation. Proportionate stratified random sampling was employed to select 505 respondents for the survey with a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied to elaborate the respondents’ participation level (non-participation, tokenism, and citizen power), while multinomial logistic regression (MLR) was used to analyze seven sociodemographic attributes potentially associated with the participation categories. The results showed that the majority (67%) of the respondents participated at the medium level of participation (tokenism). The MLR analysis revealed that residential location, age, occupation, and income had significant effects on the likelihood of participation at a high (citizen power) level. Meanwhile, age and occupation had significant effects on medium participation behavior (tokenism). The findings shed light on how PP can potentially be enhanced through sociodemographic targeting when designing citizen involvement in infrastructure planning.

Design and Construction of Elevated Multispan Bridge Structure for Light Rail Transit in Jakarta, Indonesia

The Greater Jakarta Light Rail Transit Project (LRT Jabodebek) is an infrastructure project that utilizes lead rubber bearings (LRBs) to reduce seismic demand on structures. This seismically isolated system shall provide operational performance levels under design earthquakes. Nonlinear time-history analysis was used to evaluate the structural performance. Five pairs of scaled ground motions were used as the input motions for the time-history analysis. The ability of the lead rubber bearing to isolate the structures and dissipate earthquake energy will determine its effectiveness in achieving the targeted structural performance level. From this exercise, the targeted performance was achieved. In the last part of the paper, the construction documentation of the elevated structures is presented.

Determinants of students’ behavior in using light rail transit in Hanoi

On November 6th, 2021, the first light rail transit (LRT) began operating in Vietnam after a decade of construction. This project aimed to alleviate traffic congestion in the road network of the Hanoi capital. However, despite the deployment of the transit service, passenger volume remains under-capacity, raising questions about how to encourage people, particularly young individuals, to use the new public transit. Hence, this study investigated students’ behavior in choosing the LRT as a means of transport. Statistical analysis of the questionnaire survey showed that the satisfaction level was the dominant factor affecting the mode choices of students. Besides, distance from home to school and LRT station accessibility significantly influenced students’ traveling behavior. These findings provide fundamental insight into young Vietnamese individuals’ behavior regarding a new transit service. We believe these outcomes would help support policy-makers and service providers in improving the LRT projects’ efficiency.

Bus Rapid Transit: A Viable Alternative?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) presents a significant opportunity for the public transit industry to enhance the set of transportation investment options that can be brought to bear on the mobility problems experienced by urban areas across the country. As new Census data are released, the picture of strong population growth in dispersed patterns, growing congestion levels, and stubbornly modest transit use levels emerges. This paints a compelling picture that merits serious consideration by transportation planners with regard to the full range of transportation investment options available for urban areas.This article addresses several specific characteristics of BRT that differentiate it from other public transit modes and supports the explicit consideration of BRT as an alternative in Major Investment Studies (MIS). Clearly, the high cost of rail transit limits the possible role it can play in urban mobility even under radical changes in modal spending priorities. The pursuit of more moderate costing infrastructure transit options increases the chances of public transit being able to make more meaningful contributions to urban mobility. A key characteristic of BRT is the prospect that it can offer a lower-cost method of providing better performing public transit service (not yet fully verified) that is able to both retain current and attract new customers as well as garner political and taxpayer support. Evidence provided by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) in its recent report on BRT indicated that the BRTprojects reviewed cost less to build than the light rail transit (LRT) projects reviewed, on a per-mile basis. In addition, the GAO also points out that ridership was comparable between the BRT and LRT systems reviewed and that five of the six BRT projects had higher overall system operating speeds than the LRT projects.This article also addresses the definition of BRT and the implications of the various definitions on branding of the mode. An interesting perspective on the BRT branding is offered by looking at it from the perspective of various user groups. In addition, the article explores the prospects of BRT becoming attractive to the public transit industry and with customers, decision-makers, and taxpayers. It continues by addressing certain aspects of BRT that differentiate it from LRT and the comparative impacts on land use by BRT and LRT. The article concludes by offering thoughts regarding the opportunities presented by BRT concept.

RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE JABODEBEK LRT (LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT) DEVEL-OPMENT PROJECT, IN JAKARTA AND ITS NEIGHBOURING CITIES

LRT (Light Rail Transit) is one solution for an environmentally friendly transportation system to overcome congestion problems that occur in Jakarta. This mass transportation is considered effective because there is less land in the capital for road construction. The project is a complex project that includes design, material procurement and construction. The development that is currently underway is cross-service 1 (Cawang-Cibubur), cross-service 2 (Cawang-Dukuh Atas) and cross-service 3 (Cawang-Bekasi East). This study aims to determine the risks that often arise and find out the right way to handle the risks that arise in the construction of the JABODEBEK LRT project. Data was collected using a questionnaire on 45 respondents who were involved in the construction of the JABODEBEK LRT project. The variables studied in this study are aspects of scheduling planning, aspects of scope and work documents (contracts), aspects of organizational systems, coordination and communication, aspects of resource readiness/preparation, aspects of inspection systems, work control and evaluation and other aspects (force majeure /beyond the ability of the owner and contractor). Data processing in this study used the SPSS version 25 program. This study discusses seven variables classified as high risk (H) in the project.

Machine learning-based cost predictive model for better operating expenditure estimations of U.S. light rail transit projects

Inaccurate forecasts of operating expenditures (OPEX) during the planning phase for new Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects in the United States underestimated future costs by up to 45% ( Harmatuck, 2008 ). When OPEX exceeded projected levels, local transit agencies often reduced public transit services to operate within their respective annual budgets. Therefore, it is imperative for transit agencies to produce reasonably accurate planning estimates to secure sufficient funding to support future operations, maintenance, and service delivery associated with LRT systems. The research aimed to develop a more accurate LRT OPEX predictive model to be used during the planning stage. Traditional statistical analysis and various machine learning-based algorithms were utilized with input from 22 LRT systems in the United States spanning between 2008 and 2018 from various U.S. governmental public databases. This study extended the current state of practice that relied primarily on sum of unit-cost estimates (also known as the unit-cost method) which generally failed to produce accurate forecasts due to lack of engineering details at the planning stage. Existing research attempted to develop regression-based methodologies using system-based attributes but did not substantially increase prediction accuracy from using the unit-cost method. The research improved current practices and research by having developed a more accurate and replicable machine learning-based predictive model using available geographic, socio-economic and LRT system-related variables at the planning stage.

Impacts of light rail in a mid-sized city: Evidence from Olsztyn, Poland

Investments in light rail transit (LRT) have become increasingly popular solutions to promote sustainable urban transportation. However, their impacts on cities are still subject to discussion in the academic community. There is a clear need to better understand the potential impacts of LRT projects, particularly in contexts other than major cities. In this study, we focus on the Olsztyn tram project, which has been implemented in a city of 173,000 residents situated in northeastern Poland. The paper combines different perspectives and data sources, including a study of residents’ stated preferences concerning travel behavior and modelling of housing price effects using the difference-in-differences approach. Our results suggest that the Olsztyn tram project led to a moderate change in travel behavior by increasing the frequency of public transport use but did not result in a substantial shift away from car commuting. Concerning the property market, a decline in prices was observed during the construction phase, but no statistically significant effects were found after completion.

Evaluation of Nonconformity To Pedestrian Safety Measure in Immediate Area of LRT Cawang-Dukuh Atas Construction Site

The practice of providing safe temporary facilities for pedestrians during the execution of infrastructure projects is still challenging due to project complexity and the management of existing traffic flow. The challenge of ensuring pedestrian safety also becomes a concern in Jakarta, Indonesia, which currently has many ongoing infrastructure projects. The execution of these projects along existing main roads demands contractors to close some road lanes including pedestrian accesses. The circumstance highlights the importance of investigating the current practice in providing safe temporary pedestrian access. This study aims to investigate the safety and comfort measure of pedestrian access adjacent to the construction site. Nonconformities to safety findings from the field later are used as a basis for expert interviews in order to acquire recommendations. This research took a case study of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project with a section length of 3.6 km. Observations took place every 100 meters and all nonconformities to safety data were recorded. Findings showed that among the potential nonconformities to safety, only six of those factors occurred frequently which later became the basis of questionnaire development for semi-structured expert interviews. Three experts from different backgrounds were chosen. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Field observation result shows that among the six factors of nonconformity to safety, the unavailability of the separator system between the pedestrian access and road lane becomes the most occurred factor. The research demonstrates that in order to provide safety for pedestrians, access should be prepared with a minimum width of 90-100 cm, durable and stable surface, as well as a barrier that ensures safety against traffic and construction work. This study recommends the practical considerations for pedestrian safety as well as policies in terms of contractor’s organization and government in a broader perspective.

Urban layers of political rupture: the ‘new’ politics of Addis Ababa’s megaprojects

ABSTRACT From the Derg’s restoration of Meskel Square for its military parades and Meles Zenawi’s Light-Rail Transit (LRT) and condominium social housing projects to Abiy Ahmed’s high-end luxury real estate and urban tourism schemes, megaprojects have collapsed Ethiopia’s political history into an urban bricolage of shifting ideologies and new priorities. At this critical juncture, where questions of political rupture and continuity become salient, this paper examines what we can learn about Ethiopia’s political dynamics through its latest urban megaprojects. Drawing on ‘LaGare’ and ‘Beautifying Sheger’ as case studies, this article argues that there is a new urban aesthetic emerging in Addis Ababa targeting domestic elites, the Ethiopian diaspora and tourists. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Gulf-emulated luxury real estate projects and major riverside renewal schemes are intended to generate revenue through increased land values and urban tourism. At the same time, issues around inclusive consultation with local stakeholders, the lack of coordination with the relevant bureaucracies and the highly centralized decision-making process are reminiscent of the modus operandi of previous Ethiopian regimes. These urban megaprojects are useful analytical lenses to disentangle political rupture from operational continuity.

Comparing traveler preferences for BRT and LRT systems in developing countries: Evidence from Multan, Pakistan

Abstract Rapid transit (RT) systems are becoming increasingly attractive in the developing world as they improve transportation and mobility conditions in urban areas, reduce motorization impacts and offer high quality, yet cost effective services to travelers. Light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) are RT systems that combine high capacity with relatively low investment costs, and as such, they are preferred in developing countries over regular metro systems. This paper investigates traveler preferences over alternative, planned rapid transit options for the city of Multan, Pakistan. The analysis is based on a household information survey with over 2300 questionnaires completed via personal interviews. Intention to pay for improved PT services and choice between LRT and BRT systems are investigated, using appropriate econometric models. Findings of this study can assist in better understanding the factors and their effect on choice between BRT and LRT in developing countries. Results show that potential travelers, who prefer LRT are willing to pay more for better public transport services. On the other hand, commuters and elders express a taste towards BRT implementation. Based on model outputs policy makers can develop targeted marketing policies in order to promote BRT/LRT implementation and attract candidate travelers from different groups, improving the possibility that users would support a BRT or LRT project.

Understanding People’s Acceptance of Light Rail Transit in Bandung and Its Determinant Factors

The aim of this research was to verify the readiness of Bandung people in accepting Light Rail Transit (LRT) as the new transport option. Through a survey questionnaire with various respondent backgrounds, the researchers applied statistical analysis using ANOVA to compare the acceptance between the group of gender, age, occupation, income, home location, mobility pattern, and current transport. As the extension, the research also explored the factor determining people’s priority in choosing transport and showing attributes (comfort, security and safety, exclusivity, time travel, cost, flexibility, facility, and accessibility). The result reveals that there are no differences between-group comparisons in accepting LRT as the new transport. In analyzing the determinant factors, the result shows that passengers tend to value security and comfort for their daily activities in choosing public transportation. Meanwhile, the exclusivity and facility are considered undesirable for passengers in deciding to take public transportation for travel. LRT is considered as a mode transport that provides sustainable transportation value. The readiness of passenger and market environment to the sustainable transportation option is important to maintain the successful implementation of the LRT project in Bandung.

Exploring Public–Private Partnership Scheme in Operation and Maintenance Stage of Railway Project

Public–private partnership (PPP) has been extensively used in many sectors worldwide to provide alternative funding for public infrastructure. However, limited evidence found that this scheme was successfully adopted in railway transport particularly in the later stage of the project life cycle. Private participation during operation and maintenance stages are worthy of comprehensive research to cope with recovery of public investment and institutionalization problems. This research aims to analyze the potential of unbundling scenarios based on railway components by taking into account the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in developing countries as the case study. A life cycle cost evaluation and sensitivity analysis were used to formulate a practical and regulatory framework for the macro-level of decision-making modeling. The findings indicate a possible scenario by considering the passenger demand, ticket price, and government support to generate the best option based on net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). The proposed alternative recommends an attractive investment return for private interest, encourages lower support for government subsidy, and offers a reasonable tariff for the users. The study also suggests future implications from the adoption of research findings which may affect policy formulation and railway industry as a whole.

Health and Safety Analysis of Light Rail Transit Projects in Palembang

Several sports in the XVIII Asian Games will be held in Palembang city in 2018. To support activities and facilities it is necessary to support such buildings as Light Rail Transit (LRT). The city government of Palembang targets LRT construction to operate in June 2018 with a total length of 23.4 km and a 12 meter LRT road width for two lines. PT. Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk as the implementation of LRT project development. In an effort to prevent or reduce accidents on the required development an occupational safety and health program (K3). The purpose of this study is to calculate the frequency and impact of OHS risk on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Palembang. This research uses field observation and interview method, and conducting assessment based on risk assessment matrix from AS / NZS 4360: 2004 risk management standard. Matrix risk assessment methods derived from Australian Standards / New Zaeland Standards (AS / NZS) 4360: 2004 and ISO 31000: 2009. From 60 variables that have been tested previously obtained 78 factors in group L (low), 18 factors in the group Medium (M) and as many as 4 factors in group H (high).

The performance of planning hypotheses about urban-transport futures: the Light Rail Transit in Granada

Abstract Researchers and practitioners on transport and urban planning have seen in the art of scenario-making a key to pursue a renewed visionary role, as well as an instrument for the exploration of alternative urban transport images. Developers of scenario methods usually depart from the idea that scenarios are underused. In turn, the approach of the present research is founded on the premise that planning is a forward-looking practice that already embodies elements performing as scenarios (here called planning future hypothesis).This paper explores the inception of potential future scenarios related to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Granada (Spain). The research was based on a review of planning documents from the Metropolitan Area. Different arguments were collected, related to five planning hypotheses about the LRT system, and interpreted according to three criteria of scenario performance: consistency, plausibility and coherence. The results exemplify the diversity of representations and mechanism with which future can be built.

An Analysis of the Correlation between Psychosocial Hazard and Work Accidents at Velodrome-Kelapa Gading Light Rail Transit Project by Pt Xyz in 2018

An Analysis of the Correlation between Psychosocial Hazard and Work Accidents at Velodrome-Kelapa Gading Light Rail Transit Project by Pt Xyz in 2018