Light Rail Since World War II: Abandonments, Survivals, and Revivals

Abstract

Between World War II and the 1970s, many North American cities discontinued electric rail transit services, including some that would be considered light-rail lines by today's standards. Some lines survived to take part in the light rail renaissance that started in the late 1970s, and a few abandoned lines were partially incorporated into modern light rail operations. This paper examines the various factors influencing the outcome, such as city size, downtown employment, right-of-way type, and community attitudes toward rail transit. Although light rail has generally survived in cities with stronger downtowns, downtown employment does not fully explain outcomes in other cities. The most important factors appear to be the incorporation of light rail properties into public agencies when decisions were being made about their futures, availability of federal funds, and supportive local attitudes.

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