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PRINCETON FUTUREPRINCETON FUTUREJanuary 11, 2011January 11, 2011

PRINCETON BRANCHPRINCETON BRANCH

TRANSPORTATION ISSUESTRANSPORTATION ISSUES

Jack MayJack May

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SHOULD LIGHT RAILSHOULD LIGHT RAILBE IN PRINCETON’SBE IN PRINCETON’S

FUTURE?FUTURE?

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WHY IS IT CALLED LIGHT?WHY IS IT CALLED LIGHT? Not because the rails weigh less Heavy Rail

– Subway Systems– Commuter Railroads

Relatively Inexpensive to build– Does not need grade separation– Does not generally operate on tracks shared with

freight trains (FRA safety issues) Relatively Inexpensive to operate

– Transit Work Rules instead of Railroad – Fare collection savings

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SO WHAT IS LIGHT RAIL?SO WHAT IS LIGHT RAIL?

A modern version of the streetcar Better, a modern version of the

interurban– Connected cities at high-speed– Technically Updated for the 21st

Century» Propulsion» Amenities

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LIGHT RAIL FEATURESLIGHT RAIL FEATURES

Climate Control 60 mph (or better) operation

on rail rights-of-way Superior ride qualities of rail Flexibility

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LIGHT RAIL FLEXIBILITYLIGHT RAIL FLEXIBILITYEnvironmentEnvironment

Private rights-of-way– Cross-Country (incl. existing railroads)– Center of roads (arterial, local, highway)– Alongside roads

Underground Aerial Structures Flush with surface

– In Pavement (Roadways or Plazas)» Compatibility with mixed traffic use» Operation must be able to keep up

– On Landscaped Grounds (in grass)

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LIGHT RAIL FLEXIBILITYLIGHT RAIL FLEXIBILITYOther CharacteristicsOther Characteristics

Seating– Transit– Railroad (Comfortable Cushioned)

Passenger Loading– High-Level platforms– Low-Level platforms less intrusive blends

with environment» 70-percent low-floor cars» 100-percent low-floor cars

Multiple-Unit Operation

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LIGHT RAIL FLEXIBILITYLIGHT RAIL FLEXIBILITYPropulsionPropulsion

Overhead Power Source– High-Voltage AC– Lower-Voltage DC

Wireless Power (advances being developed)– Batteries (chargeable via overhead)– Super Capacitor (retains surplus energy)– Third Rail– Modern Underground Conduit– Diesel

Dual-Mode (Tram-Train)– Aesthetic and Operational reasons– To use existing railroad facilities

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LIGHT RAIL RESULTS AND BENEFITSLIGHT RAIL RESULTS AND BENEFITS Mode of Choice in Europe Major Success in U. S.

– All Areas of the Country» Baltimore, Portland, Charlotte, St. Louis» Minneapolis, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix» Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, California

– Significantly Lower Cost per Passenger-Mile than bus– Mode highest in growth of passenger volume and retention

during recession Improves Property Values Stimulates Development Reduces Traffic Congestion

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HUDSON-BERGEN HUDSON-BERGEN LIGHT RAILLIGHT RAIL

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PORTLAND STATE PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY

 

 

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LIGHT RAIL IN LIGHT RAIL IN FRANCEFRANCE

Le Mans and NiceLe Mans and Nice

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SUMMARYSUMMARY

Princeton University’s Development Plan can co-exist aesthetically with Light Rail, and provide needed access to the parking structure

Phase I implementation plan– To coincide with the development of the Arts Center– Avoids cutting back the existing service to an

isolated point further away from the center of town– Will not discourage existing ridership

Phase II implementation plan– extends the line to Nassau Street via University

Place– will increase patronage and utility

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SUMMARY (Cont’d)SUMMARY (Cont’d)

A win-win for all stakeholders: Princeton University and

Princeton’s residents

Environmentally Friendly Increased amount of service Increased access Increased ridership A better place to be

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LIGHT RAIL:LIGHT RAIL:

PART OFPART OF

PRINCETON’S PRINCETON’S FUTURE?FUTURE?

PRINCETONPRINCETON