Lewis-Workman, Steven and Brod, Daniel. Kelman, Steven. "Use of health impact assessment in the U.S: 27 case studies, 1999-2007:. The 2002 Urban Mobility Report. Pros: * Light rail has a lower capital cost than standard rail or metro rail. 80-94. Furthermore, rail transit is much more limited than auto transit because trains must follow tracks. The tendency for troubled, underwhelming light rail projects to fall flat is prevalent enough that it even got a high-profile pop culture mention courtesy of The Simpsons in the early 90s: the show’s ‘Marge vs the Monorail’ episode sees the town of Springfield hoodwinked by a slick scam artist into spending lavishly on an unnecessary monorail system, with amusingly disastrous results. While rail operation creates jobs in that industry, an important point is that these jobs are mostly taxpayer funded (given the large subsidies to rail transit). The facts are important for residents in cities with existing light-rail transit and in cities considering proposals for building or expanding light-rail transit. Research has also shown that rail transit ridership is greatest in more densely populated, lower-income areas. "Measuring the Impact of Light Rail Systems on Single Family Home Values: A Hedonic Approach with GIS Applications." A 2011 study done by Human Impact Partners in Minnesota showed that light rail and RTD expansion in their communities had at least one if not all of these negative outcomes: higher rate of residential and business displacement, increase in housing values causing fewer vacancies and a decrease in affordable housing, and displacement of existing residents—especial… Pros and Cons Of Light Rail In Scottsdale. Rubin, Thomas A. and Moore, James E. "Ten Transit Myths: Misperceptions about Rail Transit in Los Angeles and the Nation." Citizens got 3 minutes each for their input. Moreover, bicycle access to light rail transit can increase physical activity, as people will generally bicycle three to five miles to transit, as opposed the one‐half mile distance the average person is willing to walk. Community consultation [3442KB]was also undertaken on route options in 2014. 51-58. "Measuring the Neighborhood Benefits of Rail Transit Accessibility." While the tax cost per voter is small, in sum the total tax costs per year can be quite large. Demonstrates an uncoordinated strategy for Health Impact Assessments, Fails to provide independent evaluation of health impact, This page was last edited on 3 November 2020, at 21:58. 1617, 1998, pp. A report from the American Public Transit Association (APTA) presents evidence that each person riding light-rail transit vs. driving an automobile for one year reduces hydrocarbon emission by nine pounds, nitrogen oxide emissions by five pounds and carbon monoxide emissions by 62.5 pounds. The time taken to complete a rail ride may be longer than commuting by automobile. Monograph-048, Institute of Urban and Regional Development, University of California at Berkeley, 1995. One study concluded that it would cost less to buy new fuel efficient cars for the low income riders of light rail who do not have cars than it does to … RTD would be wise to look to Minnesota to find how their Transit Oriented Development addressed the economic and public health needs of the communities affected by the placement of light rail. [7] For example, using restorative investment to ensure that low socioeconomic communities communities are not unduly burdened and pushed aside as light rail tends to gentrify neighborhoods beyond the reach of the poor; opening access to opportunity by rethinking zoning policies, de-concentrating subsidized housing, re-thinking school boundaries; and growing a community together to ensure there are healthy environments for all –not just those who are passing through on light rail or moving to newly renovated areas.[13]. The capital expenditure needed to build or expand light-rail systems often totals hundreds of millions of dollars. One study found that property values in Portland, Ore., increased by $75 for every 100 feet closer a home is to a light-rail station, and the average home price in New York declined … Landis, John; Cervero, Robert; Guhathukurta, Subhrajit; Loutzenheiser, David; and Zang, Ming. Seattle’s Link light rail system, which has two lines operational and four planned for the future, has been the US’ most expensive LRT project, reportedly costing approximately $179 million a mile. In large and growing cities such as Sydney, it eventually becomes impossible to find suitable surface corridors for effective transit systems. 1. Weinberger, Rachel. However, the relationship between ridership and density and income is not simultaneous—that is, density and income do influence ridership, but not vice versa. The system has been more popular among riders than many had anticipated. Light-rail transit, like other public transportation systems, could not operate without subsidies from local sales taxes and state and federal grants. ". Both citizens and local officials should have an understanding of the costs of light-rail transit relative to the potential benefits. Proponents of light rail argue that rail transit increases community well-being by creating jobs, by boosting economic development and property values, and by reducing pollution and traffic congestion—all while providing drivers with an economical alternative to the automobile. El Segundo is an elevated light rail station of the Los Angeles County Metro Rail Green Line.It is located on Nash Street and El Segundo Boulevard in El Segundo, California. The majority who spoke favored enhanced transit but realized the original light rail plan of 2012 is no longer viable. The opportunity cost of this capital is high, given the low financial return on light-rail transit. It is not too surprising that most Americans prefer automobile transit to light-rail transit. American Public Transit Association. (1993) Transit Fact Book, Washington, D.C. 104. B. and Werner, C. M. (2011). Hants, England: Gower, 1985, pp. [7] The study showed that there was a disproportionate impact on people of color and people with lower socio-economic status compared to white people and people with high socio-economic status. [10] Light rail could contribute to lower rates of obesity and other nutrition-related chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, by increasing the likelihood that residents in food deserts can easily travel to neighborhoods with cheaper and healthier food options. Building a light rail system in a heavily populated area can also pose delicate social challenges. Automobile injury hazards arise due to existing light rails. Difficult/impossible to privately finance because the revenue can’t cover the costs. 147-153. In St. Louis, for example, operating costs per rider in 2001 totaled $1.59 and revenue per rider totaled 60 cents. That work has been ongoing since 2012 and has included: 1. Transportation Research Record, No. In fact, in many cities one can see economic development occurring around transit stations, although this may not be causal evidence of the relationship between rail transit and economic development. "Validity of predictions in health impact assessment". This article discusses six key issues surrounding light-rail transit and is a starting point for debate. [9] Further investigation and data collection is needed to prevent these injury hazards. Additionally, the burden for most light-rail costs is placed on America's taxpayers-even those who don't ride light rail. Policy Study 218, Reason Public Policy Institute, November 1996. "The effect of light rail transit on body mass index and physical activity". 1-86. Policy Study 218, Reason Public Policy Institute, November 1996. The pros and cons of California's ambitious high-speed rail project were hotly debated Thursday evening in a town hall meeting at Fresno State's Satellite Student Union. Parson's Place photo If private development occurs around light-rail transit stations, giving people easier access to businesses, residential housing units and other facilities, then this private development will create jobs. When the main line lies on a curve and has a turnout of contrary flexure leading to a branch line, the superelevation necessary for the average speed of trains running over the main line curve cannot be provided. A large proportion of air pollution is generated in the first few miles of an auto trip when the engine is cold. 2. The value people place on auto transit over rail transit is even more pronounced when one considers that rail transit fares can be less than a dollar a day. Pros and cons of light rail. "Is the Act of Voting Rational?" If the benefits exceed these costs, then rail transit would be socially beneficial. Pittfield. Studies have also found a small impact of light rail on commercial property values. 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