We need to use the ROW category, which would be C for mixed traffic with optional paint or reserved line, B for segregated with physical separation like BRT or LRT, but with shared intersections (outside intersections, there should be a barrier, a curb or grass to block cars from entering). ROW A is 100% controlled, no intersection (or fully prioritised like rail crossings) and no trespassing allowed (metro, regional train, monorail, gondola, etc.) These are associated, in urban area with average operating speeds: C: 15 km/h, B: 25 km/h, A: 35 km/h (more for regional train). Then you add the technology itself (tires, rail or other). The rest is way less important on the resulting service.
Summary:
C: mixed traffic, 15 km/h average operating speed, bus or streetcar
B: physically separated, except at intersections, which must be prioritised, 25 km/h: LRT or BRT. LRT would have an average boost of 20% more passengers compared to a similar BRT because of better image and efficiency.
A: fully separated, 35 km/h in urban environment, can be more outside the city: subway/metro, train, monorail, gondola, etc.
C+ would be mixed traffic but with a bus lane (only paint, no barrier), bus-only traffic lights, no-right-turns at bus stops, etc. This would allow an average speed of 20 km/h operating, but it is way less reliable than ROW B or A.
I'm someone who's interested in this stuff, as witnessed by my subscribing to this Substack, and I don't understand about 75% of the categories and non-categories mentioned here, so this does seem like a real issue.
Bravo, Reece! "Light Rail" is often used because it appears modern or trendy. (Designers like that as do certain potential riders who do not use transit now). In reviewing comments on the NY MTA's choice of Light Rail for the IBX line, there were a number of people who liked it because of the term ("cute," "up-to-date"), rather than for substantive reasons.
"To some extent, people may argue that being forced to call a system that has some surface sections a “subway” or a line that mostly operates on streets a “tram” will somehow compromise the flexible nature of their system."
Those people can be laughed at and shown the elevated portions of the NYC subway. We certainly still call those "subway" even though they're not underground.
We need to use the ROW category, which would be C for mixed traffic with optional paint or reserved line, B for segregated with physical separation like BRT or LRT, but with shared intersections (outside intersections, there should be a barrier, a curb or grass to block cars from entering). ROW A is 100% controlled, no intersection (or fully prioritised like rail crossings) and no trespassing allowed (metro, regional train, monorail, gondola, etc.) These are associated, in urban area with average operating speeds: C: 15 km/h, B: 25 km/h, A: 35 km/h (more for regional train). Then you add the technology itself (tires, rail or other). The rest is way less important on the resulting service.
Summary:
C: mixed traffic, 15 km/h average operating speed, bus or streetcar
B: physically separated, except at intersections, which must be prioritised, 25 km/h: LRT or BRT. LRT would have an average boost of 20% more passengers compared to a similar BRT because of better image and efficiency.
A: fully separated, 35 km/h in urban environment, can be more outside the city: subway/metro, train, monorail, gondola, etc.
C+ would be mixed traffic but with a bus lane (only paint, no barrier), bus-only traffic lights, no-right-turns at bus stops, etc. This would allow an average speed of 20 km/h operating, but it is way less reliable than ROW B or A.
They are pretty good, though I might make it a bit more fine grained, a lot of trams struggle to reach such high average speeds!
I think I've heard of these categories before? Where did they come from?
From Vuchic and my course (in french: https://moodle.polymtl.ca/course/view.php?name=CIV6708)
I'm someone who's interested in this stuff, as witnessed by my subscribing to this Substack, and I don't understand about 75% of the categories and non-categories mentioned here, so this does seem like a real issue.
It is, I think perhaps my running goal is to come up with a scheme that simplifies things without giving up too much important information!
Bravo, Reece! "Light Rail" is often used because it appears modern or trendy. (Designers like that as do certain potential riders who do not use transit now). In reviewing comments on the NY MTA's choice of Light Rail for the IBX line, there were a number of people who liked it because of the term ("cute," "up-to-date"), rather than for substantive reasons.
That those were comments is super concerning!
"To some extent, people may argue that being forced to call a system that has some surface sections a “subway” or a line that mostly operates on streets a “tram” will somehow compromise the flexible nature of their system."
Those people can be laughed at and shown the elevated portions of the NYC subway. We certainly still call those "subway" even though they're not underground.
For sure, but a lot of people would suggest that the ROW is all that matters!