Difference between revisions of "Streetcar alternatives"

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Use of special vehicles
 
Use of special vehicles
* [[Iconic vehicles or livery to better brand service]]
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* [[Iconic vehicles]] or livery to better brand service
* [[Articulated buses for increased capacity]]
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* [[Articulated buses]] for increased capacity
  
 
==Service enhancements==
 
==Service enhancements==
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* [[Increased frequency]]
 
* [[Increased frequency]]
 
* [[Increased span of service]]
 
* [[Increased span of service]]
* [[Specialized routes, i.e. circulators]]
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* Specialized routes
  
  
 
[[Category:Capital planning and project delivery]]
 
[[Category:Capital planning and project delivery]]

Revision as of 23:35, 9 February 2012

Background

Thanks to recent revival of neighborhoods served by streetcars in cities like Portland, Oregon, there’s a common conception that streetcars are a magic development bullet. The conventional wisdom suggests that the presence of “rails in the ground” sends a signal to developers that the transit infrastructure in question is permanent, while buses lack this sense of permanence. Like any claim of cause and effect, this assertion should be viewed skeptically on a number of grounds. Foremost, new streetcars are typically accompanied with a number of other public investments in the street-scape that are independent from the vehicle technology, i.e. transit stop enhancements like improved shelters, signage and aesthetic features; these other investments could help explain investments by the private sector. Furthermore, many of these street-scare enhancements could be implemented just as easily to enhance existing bus service to obtain virtually all of the mobility benefits. Various treatments associated with BRT can provide a transit experience that is similar -- if not identical -- to streetcar service.

Right of way enhancements

Enhancements to the right-of-way in which the vehicle travels to improve the speed and comfort of the ride.

Exclusive travel lanes

Station stop enhancements

Enhancements to the transit stop/station to improve the out-of-vehicle waiting experience and increase the sense of permanence

Vehicle enhancements

Use of special vehicles

Service enhancements

Enhancements to the frequency and duration of service, or specialized routes to serve certain corridors