BIKE: Re: New Cap Metro long-range plan

[Nawdry]

At 5/11/04 09:44, David Foster <david-k1971-foster>
  wrote:
>It helps to point out in this
>connection that Cap Metro is looking at technologies other than diesel
>trains for this corridor, including a hybrid train analogous to hybrid cars
>like the Prius. These electric-diesel (or electric-natural gas) hybrids are
>already in use in New Jersey and Europe. AND they can and do run on rail
>down streets as well as along separate rail ROWs. This means that at some
>point, after Cap Metro has proven that people will ride rail, and as people
>clamor for more (we can mobilize this clamor), a transition could be made
>from rapid bus to hybrid rail on the street.


One should note, however, that "hybrid" diesel-electric light rail 
technology provides significantly lower performance than electric LRT, in 
addition to the problem of some noise and emissions from the diesel 
engine.  See, for example, the following analysis of the new Southern New 
Jersey River Line light railway:

http://www.lightrailnow.org/news/n_nj002.htm

As with all public transport options, I believe that planners, 
decisionmakers, public transit advocates, and the public should be kept 
aware of all the implications of alternative technological approaches to 
public transit.

LH