What is happening elsewhere in the world?

Over four hundred cities world wide have introduced or re-introduced light rail, with constructions in some sixty more, and plans in well above two hundred.

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) reports that "Europe is the densest LRT continent with 170 systems in operation and nearly 100 more in construction or planning, but North America (30 in operation, 10 in construction) and Asia are also very active in opening new systems. The next emerging LRT region is the Middle East where the post-oil age is being actively anticipated." A UITP Position Paper outlines the advantages of light rail over other modes.

Increased patronage is stimulating demand for upgrade and expansion of most of the world's light rail systems. In Great Britain, Department of Transport statistics show light rail passenger journeys are increasing by over 8.6% pa and over the past 10 years have increased by 128%; bus journeys by contrast have achieved relative growths of about 3.8% and 11.6%.

In the US Light rail has been the fastest growing transit mode with 29 cities operating light rail systems and 13 cities with expansions or new systems under construction. Light rail has been successful in turning round the image of public transport in such cities as Houston, Dallas, Charlotte and Denver. In the US too light rail has experienced phenomenal growth of 176% between 1990 and 2004.

In Ottawa they are changing from busways to light rail. This is an interesting case as Brisbane's busway system was influenced by Ottawa's. Mayor O'Brien's Taskforce recommended light rail and in April 2008, "A $4-billion transit plan that includes light rail in both north-south and east-west directions has been recommended over three other options by city staff."

A combination of environmental issues, operational efficiency and passenger preference has led to light rail making a major comeback as the primary mode of public transport for medium sized cities and as a supporting mode for large cities like London and Paris.

Closer to home Adelaide has opted for Light Rail in a major way. As part of a $2 billion rail infrastructure expansion, the light rail system is being extended further along North Terrace and to Port Adelaide This is partly a result of the resounding success of the recently opened new extension from Victoria Square to North Terrace where passenger journeys have considerably exceeded projections.

In the home of light rail, the Melbourne system is being expanded and modernised; and passenger journeys are increasing.