LRT @ Phoenix

source: sreetfilms.org

Everyone knows that Phoenix has a huge sprawl problem. But now transit-oriented development is on the upswing in this Sun Belt metropolis. In December, the Phoenix region opened one of the most ambitious transit projects in recent U.S. history: a 20-mile light rail line with 28 stops serving three cities (Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa). Future plans include an extension within three years, with several new corridors being studied.

The Valley Metro vehicles are handsome and comfortable, and thus far ridership has far exceeded initial projections -- with as many as 40,000 riders per day, compared to the expected 25,000. Each station features amenities and art installations. In addition, with many folks using the light rail as an intermodal step in their commutes, bicycles are welcome aboard.

Being handsome and comfortable is what differentiates LRT from BRT, and that's also why LRT tends to attracts way more motorists than BRT. In terms of pullution, be it dust, air quality, noise, water runoff, or vibration, LRT's performance is much better. It's possible to make the performance of BRT as close as to LRT, but the biggest advantage of BRT (cheap, cost-effective) will no longer hold. However, that LRT is around 3 times more expensive makes the option not available for a lot of countries or cities in the world.

LRT is fixed, due to its rail-based nature. Therefore, related facilities such as park-and-ride and bicycle carriage service become important to help people complete their trip (point-to-point) more smoothly. BRT is flexible and fast to go into operation, but local people also tend to think that is not as reliable and stable as LRT, which can play a critical role in people's mode choice and location choice.

Nevertheless, comparing two totally different transportation systems is not fair. From my point of view, given a rapidly growing medium-sized city, BRT would be a temporary means by which LRT will be introduced once the level of local economic development and environmental awareness raises over the tipping point.