Topic: Metro Rail Expansion

The new items published under this topic are as follows.

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Deferred Opportunity for Buffalo? Light Rail Expansion

Posted by: crtc on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 11:31 AM 941 Reads

By Seth C Triggs

As of 2009 in the United States (and North America), all non-new build light rail systems have expanded except for Metro Rail in Buffalo, New York. Some new build systems such as Seattle's Link Light Rail have already commenced expansion planning and/or construction. Indeed, a large portion of light rail expansion has occurred in the past five years. Due to the somewhat higher costs associated with reserved right-of-ways [see note 1], not as many heavy-rail (rapid transit) systems have expanded.

Note: [1] A reserved right-of-way restricts travel to one mode. This is also called a grade separation. Buffalo's Metro Rail tunnel is a reserved right of way.

[2] An overhead catenary consists of permanent wires suspended from a framework attached to posts and/or buildings. Vehicles that utilize overhead catenary power collect it via a pantograph assembly on the roof of the vehicle. Unlike third rail power, catenary power is almost always alternating current (AC).

[3] A third rail is a permanent, energized rail normally placed outside of the running rails of a railroad. It allows vehicles to draw direct current (DC) through use a shoe mounted on the undercarriage or trucks.

[4] Multi-modal facilities are those that afford connections between one or more transportation modes. In the public transit context, this is normally between bus and rail. Most Metro Rail stations are multi-modal facilities.

[5] Pittsburgh's estimated population in 2006 was 312,819; Buffalo's estimated population is 272,632 as of 2007.

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The Most Common Metro Rail Myths

Posted by: crtc on Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 10:02 AM 846 Reads

Expansion of Metro Rail is a valuable goal. Unfortunately, like many valuable goals, it runs up against persistent myths. Here are a few of them.

Myths about Metro Rail

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Move Our Vision Forward: Take the First Step to Expand Metro Rail!

Posted by: crtc on Friday, June 22, 2007 - 05:13 PM 801 Reads

The Citizens Regional Transit Corporation is moving ahead on our goal to get planning started on a short expansion of Metro Rail in the Cobblestone Loop. And you can help!

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to fund a feasibility study by Stone Consulting, a renowned firm that specializes in planning public transit expansions. Stone is known for delivering high-quality results...and Metro Rail definitely deserves high-quality planning as it is our number one transport asset.

Download the feasibility study proposal and our special fundraising letter in order to get started!

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Airport Corridor Map

Posted by: crtc on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 10:08 PM 886 Reads

View a new map of the revised Airport Corridor, in PDF and GIF formats.

GIF (106K)

PDF (200K)

Airport Corridor Guide Launched

Posted by: sethtriggs on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 08:14 PM 886 Reads

A petition is now circulating where you may show your support for an
expansion of Metro Rail to Transit Road. This is an idea whose time has
finally come - and you can be a part of it.

This guide is designed to give you a closer look at how the plans
for the Airport Corridor have changed over time. Included in this
primer is the original Airport Corridor plan, the CRTC Planning
Subcommittee report, and a breakdown of time savings and running times
versus the present bus system.

Airport Corridor Guide