
Another question is, why is light rail so expensive? There has been (hopelessly futile) discussion here in Colorado Springs about putting in a streetcar system. You would think it would be the easiest thing in the world to do it--the street configurations and grades are the same as they were 100 years ago when we had such a system, the automobile traffic density is low. All you would have to do is buy some pre-assembled track sections and drop them onto the pavement. Add some overhead wires and you're done. Why does it cost $15M to put in a mile of track on an existing grade?
by asdf on Sat Jun 16th, 2012 at 10:43:47 PM EST
I don't think you have pavement that can support even light rail. You'll have to tear it up and lay a proper support.

*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.
by DoDo on Sun Jun 17th, 2012 at 09:19:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Once upon a time it was done on mud...

What about the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LR55_system#LR55_rail system?  It seems very efficient.

by njh on Sun Jun 17th, 2012 at 01:00:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]
$15M per mile is actually pretty good, compared to what other cities in the US have paid or are going to pay.
by epochepoque on Sun Jun 17th, 2012 at 01:48:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Another question is, why is light rail so expensive?

Simple answer: because it's a democracy. Project opposition is given a voice and will effectively have to be paid off. Opposition can be due to noise, vibration, visual obstructions, construction impacts...you name it.

Additional answer: because the feds typically provide capital but not operating subsidies. Agencies tend to overbuild to minimize later operating cost (maintenance) requirements.

by Jace (jace6315 at yahoo etc.) on Mon Jun 18th, 2012 at 04:39:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]


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