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January 7, 2005
Light Rails
One of the best things about living in Portland, OR for the five months I was there 4 years ago was the light rail system.
On the way back from lunch today, Joe, Terry, and I were talking about light rails. Joe has a friend on a community board of Septa, and he said his friend told him that there had been a light rail project in Philly, but that funding wasn't available. We realized during the conversation that none of us really knew what the definition of a light rail is. So I looked it up.
Turns out, that basically, a light rail system is really just a newfangled name for trolley, tram, or streetcar.
Some would argue that a light rail system is a more modern form of the trolley or streetcar - that as trolley systems get upgraded, they evolve into light rails. I think this makes sense, as I don't think of Philadelphia Trolleys as really being light rail, though they are similar. According to the Light Rail Transit Association, a light rail is, among other things, a smooth and comfortable ride - that's definitely not a Green Line trolley - they shimmy so much, I get seasick, and the small, hard plastic seats really only qualify as "adaquate."
I guess in Philly terms, it would be the speed and comfort of the Blue line, but with the frequency more like a green line in Center City. Light Rails are frequent enough that it's reasonable to use them instead of cars with a capacity of up to 250 people (including standing) per train.
Septa operates the Norristown High Speed Line, which has the look of a light rail, operating on old regional railroad tracks. Septa is also renovating the old #15 Girard Street Trolley as a light rail, with retro styled PCC cars. It was scheduled to start service this fall, but due to a standoff about parking and traffic at 59th Street, the project hasn't completed. Apparently, Septa failed to consult the community residents or city council before making their plans for the 15 line and the city is unwilling to deal, even though they pushed Septa to restore the Rte 15 trolley.
None of this really helps me, as all I want right now is a service that'll get me home faster than walking those 3 miles. Nonetheless, I hope this Girard St stuff gets worked out, so that Septa can hemorrage money somewhere else for a while.
Posted by Janice Ryan at January 7, 2005 7:47 PM