Gold Coast Light Rail

Comparing the modes

When light rail and buses are compared, light rail comes out on top, despite the initial capital cost.

Dr Garry Glazebrook has adapted Vuchic's authoritative study (2005) to compare buses, bus and light rail rapid transit.

Mode Regular Bus Bus Rapid Transit Light Rail Transit
Separation from traffic No Part or Full Part or full
Power Diesel, CNG, Electricity* Diesel, CNG, Electricity * Electricity
Number of Lines Many few / some** few
Headways on each line Long / medium short short
Stop spacing 80 - 250 200 - 400 250 - 600
Transfers few some / many many
Capital cost / km Low moderate - high high - very high
Operating cost / space medium Medium Low
Operation in tunnel no no*** yes
Service in pedestrian zones Variable Difficult Attractive
System Image Moderate Good Excellent
Impact on land use and livability None some / many Strong
Passenger attraction Variable Good Excellent

Source: Dr Garry Glazebrook adapted from Vuchic (2005) * Trolleybuses

Vuchic concludes that "The BRT concept is bringing great benefits in improving present bus services. Its implementation can lead to upgrading a complex network of low-image bus lines into a distinct network of frequent, reliable lines attractive to all classes of riders. In cities which are flooded by ubiquitous but low quality unregulated minibuses, BRT is bringing a renewed concept of high-image transit network.

For applications heavily used trunk lines, LRT represents a higher investment / higher performance transit system than BRT. In addition to comfortable, quiet and reliable service, LRT provides better vehicle performance and possibility to use tunnels and serve pedestrian areas without the noise and pollution that diesel vehicles produce. LRT tracks symbolise permanence and represent a strong stimulus for economic development and human-oriented environment. With low-floor vehicles LRT stations fit aesthetically well in the centres of urban activities"...

"for heavy passenger volumes, use of tunnels in high density urban centres and direct service in pedestrian zones, LRT is usually distinctly superior to BRT. The advantages it brings in such applications may easily justify the higher investment cost LRT involves. Moreover, with its stimulus for urban physical upgrading and economic development, LRT exerts unique long term positive impacts on the livability of a city".

back