Abstract: Buffalo recently became the latest US city to adopt a light rail package to meet its urban transport requirements. Although originally planned for half the route to be on a viaduct, objections have meant that now 80 per cent of the 10.3km line is in tunnel. Cut and cover techniques were used for the first 2.7km, but solid rock for the remainder of the line meant that the tunnel had to be bored with machines. A 1.9km section of the main street has been converted to a vehicle-free transit and pedestrian mall. There are six stations within the mall which is a fare-free zone. An integrated fare structure, allowing free transfer between bus and rail, and a self-service barrier-free collection strategy has been adopted at the stations. Unlike most US light rail lines, articulated vehicles have been rejected in favour of trains of bogie vehicles. Provisions have been made at all stations for wheelchair access to the trains. It is planned to run trains at six-minute intervals during peak periods and at 10 minutes off-peak; the line has been designed for a minimum of two minutes headway at a maximum of 88000 passengers per day. This capacity is expected to be reached as new extensions are opened, one of which is planned along an abandoned railway line. (TRRL)
Publication Year: 1985
Publication Date: 1985-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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