Rail Service

General Description:

Rail Service is any mode of public transit that follows a fixed route, usually a steel rail.  It is primarily used to transport large amounts of people between major destinations, although it may also be used for tours.  Rail service may consist of large passenger trains or smaller tram-like rail cars referred to as “light rail”. 

Effects of Solution:

þ Increase Passenger Throughput (Improves throughput to an area)

¨ Increase Roadway Capacity

¨ Manage System Efficiency

þ Reduce Local Demand (Reduces vehicular demand)

Rail Service can increase passenger throughput within a region because it is an alternative mode of travel.  In addition, it relieves some demand placed on local highways and roads.

Examples of Implementation:

Rapid Rail Transit Lines, Light Rail Line, Trolleys

Boston National Historical Park and African-American National Historic Site

Peter Steele, Boston National Historical Park

Bill Foley, Boston National Historical Park

Light Rail System

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle Unit

Willie Russell, Superintendent

Regional Rail Service

New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River

Peter Hart, Superintendent, New River Gorge National River

Cost/Financial Information:

(Cost/financial information is based on 2005 dollars.  Cost/financial information is estimated, and will vary based on size and scope of project, number of units, etc.)

Costs will vary depending upon whether or not there are existing facilities and/or infrastructure.  If facilities and infrastructure must be built, the costs can be significant, with costs ranging from $5 million per mile to close to $30 million per mile (for commuter rail and light rail projects).  These costs typically include the necessary infrastructure, such as tracks, stations, cars (vehicles), etc.

Commuter Rail typically runs on existing rail lines from a major destination to several minor outlying destinations.  Light Rail is a medium capacity (2,000 to 20,000 travelers an hour) service that may operate like a streetcar.

Additional Resources:

Information found in the ITE manual – A Toolbox for Alleviating Traffic Congestion and Enhancing Mobility, available for purchase at http://www.ite.org/bookstore/index.asp

Report “Rail Transit in America”, available at: http://www.vtpi.org/railben.pdf

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