Light rail (or tram) is a proven technology which has been implemented in a number of locations throughout the UK (e.g. Nottingham, Sheffield, Croydon and Manchester). Government has recently turned down funding for the Leeds Supertram scheme.
Light rail schemes can operate on-street with other traffic or can be fully segregated from other road users (e.g. through the conversion of a former rail line). As a general rule a population threshold of ½ a million is required in order to make light rail a viable proposition.
One of the main benefits of light rail systems is their high passenger carrying capacity and their ability to operate at higher average speeds than a conventional bus. In addition light rail has significant environmental benefits by using an electrical power supply which generally has a low environmental impact compared to diesel modes.
Examples of light rail in the UK:
Examples of international light rail schemes:
- Düsseldorf, Germany
- Strasbourg, France
- Amsterdam, Holland
- Goteburg, Sweden
- Graz, Austria
- Lisbon, Portugal
