ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF DIESEL LIGHT RAIL CARS

The paper describes the technical features of typical diesel light rail cars and discusses the economic viability by comparison with electric light rail vehicles in a U.S. context. Capital and operating costs are compared and conclusions drawn on life cycle cost impacts. The principal capital cost differential is due to line electrification. The paper demonstrates that for low to medium ridership on interurban commuter routes the diesel alternative will usually be more cost effective. The paper also discusses the technical tradeoffs such as the higher performance, lower environmental impact and better curving ability of the electric LRVs which will make them the preferred choice in some lines.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1201 New York Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC    20005
• Authors:
  • Middleton, B
• Conference:
  • 1997 Rapid Transit Conference of the American Public Transit Association. Volume 2 - Rolling stock and modal
  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Date: 1997-6-8 to 1997-6-12
• Publication Date: 1997-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 185-191

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Diesel multiple unit cars; Economic analysis; Electric vehicles; Life cycle costing; Light rail vehicles; Performance evaluations; Vehicle design
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Energy; Finance; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00747600
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 18 1998 12:00AM