What is Light Rail Transit?

Light rail trains are electric-powered vehicles that operate primarily on exclusive rights-of-way. Light rail transit (LRT) sometimes travels on streets with vehicular traffic. Electric-powered vehicles provide smooth rides and do not create air pollution. They are convenient and avoid traffic congestion through right-of-way separation and traffic signal priority. LRT is known for flexible at-grade service that is pedestrian friendly, whether it is running on streets or in a right-of-way.

In cities across North America where LRT has been successfully integrated, it connects and interfaces with people throughout the city. In between stations, LRT can traverse the city, mixing with people in our most vibrant districts, providing service and running quietly alongside storefronts, sidewalk cafes, parks, and promenades. Light rail transit is a people-friendly way to get around the city.

LRT brings a vision of the Exposition Transit Parkway to the community

Light Rail Transit can make our open spaces more accessible. In Southern California, we suffer from a shortage of recreational open space. A transit parkway is the 21st century vision for making this connection while accommodating all modes of transit: pedestrians, automobiles, bicycles, and light rail transit. The Exposition Transit Parkway, currently under design, represents this modern vision of sustainable transportation and open space. In essence, light rail transit can bring the parkway to the community, while taking the community to its parks.

LRT integrates people in a campus setting

Light Rail Transit can tie a campus community together. The American college campus embodies the same planning ideals as a city. Running at low speeds with stations that are easily accessed, light rail can improve mobility to, and mobility within, the campus.

LRT takes you to the ballgame

Light Rail Transit moves people efficiently and gets people where they want to go without the hassle of long parking lines and automobile congestion. Service is designed to reduce waiting times; for major events, cars can be added to the trains to provide maximum capacity ridership.