LRT-Streetcar Project Interface Compatibility of Systems and Infrastructure

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "LRT-Streetcar Project Interface Compatibility of Systems and Infrastructure"

Transcription

1 LRT-Streetcar Project Interface Compatibility of Systems and Infrastructure 1

2 Regional Streetcar and LRT Projects 2

3 Ideal vs. Likely Regional System Ideal System Likely System Key Considerations All lines interconnected Lines isolated Geography and infrastructure investment Same vehicles - capable of operating on any line Same track & electrical standards Standardized open payment system in place throughout region Common maintenance facility, fully equipped Different vehicles - vehicles stay primarily on their own system Same track & electrical standards Regional open payment system with local variations on cash payments Multiple facilities, some bare bones only Focus on basic compatibility to not preclude non-revenue moves over other lines Off-wire capability may be more important in some jurisdictions than others Level of investment and coordination required for seamless passenger experience Opportunities to share depend on geography of interconnection and land availability 3

4 Interface Opportunities Vehicles Operate over other lines for non-revenue moves to reach shared maintenance facilities. For like modes, option to share vehicles to meet temporary demand. Use of common vehicle type or family to simplify maintenance and training. Recommendations Use a regionally coordinated design criteria and build maximum practical compatibility into vehicle design criteria / performance specification. Limit vehicles to two standard widths (LRT 2.65m, Streetcar either 2.4 or 2.65) and two or three lengths. Explore procurement of common vehicle "family" with options of expandable length. 4

5 Interface Opportunities Common vehicle types or families will make maintenance easier. O&M Facilities Special heavy maintenance capabilities could be performed in an existing or "specialized" facility. Recommendations Region should consider options for work in existing rail or bus facilities or evaluate options for shared "specialty" heavy maintenance facilities. Consider training needs at a regional level and standardized around key disciplines. For like modes, specify similar vehicles using regionally coordinated design criteria, facilitating coordination on maintenance and staff training. 5

6 Interface Opportunities Use of common design practices and parts to lower costs and simplify maintenance and training. Standardize pantograph dimensions and wire height range for all vehicles in region. Recommendation Power Supply Use regionally coordinated design criteria among like modes, and pursue compatibility where practical between streetcar and LRT. Standardize regional operating voltage (at 750V), basic pantograph dimensions, and operating criteria. Develop standard catalog of components for regional use, maximizing standard components and minimizing custom parts. 6

7 Interface Opportunities Guideway Design In developing and applying design criteria, projects should avoid the most restrictive minimums or limits. This will reduce the risk that features built into infrastructure will limit compatibility with standard vehicle designs. Recommendations Use regionally coordinated design criteria among like modes, and pursue compatibility where practical between streetcar and LRT. Limit the number of rail sections and related component variables. Develop common wheel gauge standards and compatible wheel profile elements. 7

8 Interface Opportunities Fare Collection Ability to seamlessly integrate collection systems; share maintenance and operational costs. Recommendations Accept universal open payment standards through NEPP with traditional cash payment options that are compatible across systems. Coordinate cash payment capabilities and procure similar equipment for similar operating environments. 8

9 Passenger Information / User Interface Interface Opportunities Coordination on policies and passenger communication. Recommendations Adopt common design criteria to facilitate continued regional coordination, standardize approach to stop design, and facilitate access for all passengers. Continue regional coordination to identify obstacles and opportunities for information sharing across systems. DC Region LRT-Streetcar Project Interface February

10 10

11 Interoperability Issues: Next Steps 1. Continue project sponsor coordination. Quarterly meetings for project sponsors (include additional stakeholders). Make additional presentations at standing meetings. Develop vision/mission statement. 2. Continue coordination on technical topic areas. Conduct work sessions on design assumptions. Conduct field tours. 3. Quantify benefits of interoperability standards. Literature review of applicable cost saving case studies. Develop interoperability scenarios. Assess range of cost savings related to interoperability. 11