The international market for Light Rail (LR) and Very Light Rail (VLR) systems is experiencing a significant comeback, with a growing interest in connecting smaller communities to larger transit hubs. But while the value of transit systems is apparent, communities must navigate changing ridership trends while managing cost.
Henry Posner III, Chairman of Railroad Development Corporation and newly appointed TDI Board Member, recently discussed the readiness of the LR and VLR markets. With nearly 5 decades of experience in the railway industry, he observes that LR and VLR are now seeing a unique opportunity to prove the market and partner for deployment faster than thought possible.
Increased Funding Opportunities
A lack of public funding has often challenged transit projects, but today, private sector involvement is reshaping the landscape through Transit-Oriented Development. LR and VLR contribute to increased real estate value, and more private partners are gaining experience in deploying local transit with the collaboration of public and government organizations.
Enhanced Partnership Models
Light rail typically serves medium-to-large cities, but VLR offers promising opportunities for smaller neighborhoods and feeder lines to urban hubs. VLR is flexible and can be adapted to the needs of communities using existing rail lines, significantly reducing the cost and speed of deployment as compared to a traditional transit system.
Companies like the newly combined Pop-Up Metro and TDI Greenway highlight opportunities to collaborate with local organizations on LR and VLR projects that prove market viability quickly and at low costs. As light rail transit redefines urban mobility, these public-private partnerships will be vital to implementing smaller, more flexible systems that demonstrate both economic feasibility and long-term sustainability.
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For more information on Very Light Rail – https://transportdesigninternational.com
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