Nordhausen – TramTrains for small towns
Nordhausen is a German city at the southern edge of the Harz  mountains, in the state of Thuringia. Nordhausen’s population is a very modest 44,272 and with a population density of 421 /km², one would think that the town is just too small for light-rail but has a metric gauge tramway network with 2 lines (7 km long, built [...]
Lawned rights-of-ways = non-user friendly & green transit
In stark contrast to SkyTrain’s and RAV/Canada Line’s (in Richmond) ugly elevated concrete viaducts, Europe is greening their tram-lines. European transit authorities are lawning their tram routes, creating a park like atmosphere, which is further enhanced by trees, shrubbery and statuary. Tram lines, either ballast and tie on the ground or elevated on a viaduct [...]
In today's Tyee – Hats off to Prof. Condon and UBC, they are now planning for the 21st Century!
In today’s Tyee is a very interesting item about LRT, Gateway and how monies invested (some say squandered) in the Gateway – Port Mann Bridge expansion could provide over 200 km. of LRT for Surrey, Whiterock, Langley, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and New Westminster! Now add in the 90 km. Vancouver to Chilliwack Interurban [...]
Calgary's C-Train Development & Operating Costs
C-Train’s Development and Operating Costs Total system development costs to date: $548 M Â Original cost of vehicle acquisition/unit: $1.2 M Â Current vehicle replacement cost: $3.9 M Â Total costs of track construction per meter: above ground $30,000 below ground $35,000 at grade $15,000 Â Average costs per station: $2.1 M Â Cost of [...]
World transit system list as of 2006 – from the LRTA
The following is the number or various type of transit systems around the world including those under construction, excluding airport shuttles, commuter/mainline rail, entertainment parks and funiculars. Classification always brings areas of doubt, particularly in countries such as Japan and Switzerland where clear dividing lines just do not exist. Metro (including SkyTrain) – 146 Light [...]
Trondheim – A template for light-rail in the valley? It's a cert!
Population (2009)  - Total 168,257  - Density 480/km2 (1,243.2/sq mi) Trondheim, Norway boasts the northernmost tramway line in the world: the Gråkallbanen, the last remaining bit of the Trondheim Tramway is an 8.8 km (5.5 mi) route (which is mostly single-track outside the inner most parts of the city; except the stretch between Breidablikk and Nordre Hoem stations) which [...]
Trams in the countryside – where's all the density that's supposed to be needed for light-rail?
The following video is of the famous Stubaitalbahn Innsbruck-Fulpmes Tram, which starts in downtown Innsbruck and terminates in the mountains, servicing the small town of Fulpmes. Standard trams are used through out the journey, providing a seamless or no-transfer journey for the customer. The Stubaitalbahn Innsbruck-Fulpmes Tram is just further proof that light-rail can successfully operate [...]
Seeing is believing – Diesel LRT in the USA.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixMw5M9tt80] The following is the New Jersey Camden “River Line, operating Diesel light rail.
April 11 – Highway 1 Day of Action
*BANNER MAKING WORKSHOPS* coming up – Abbotsford, date/time TBA (check back) Want to help make some history? “Rail For The Valley” and “Better Transit, Not Freeways” Present… April 11 – HIGHWAY 1 DAY OF ACTION Gateway to what?! On Saturday, April 11, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, join with others across the region in hoisting banners [...]
Can trams (the interurban) operate with passenger and freight trains? They can in Germany!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsdJPaih0Fw] To everyone who says that the interurban can’t operate on existing railways or share tracks with freight trains, this U-Tube video from Karlshrue Germany should be watched. If the Germans can do it, so can we!
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