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Streetcar and other rail transit vehicle fatalities the focus of FTA safety advisory

The article from Smart Cities Dive discusses the safety concerns associated with streetcars and light rail transit (LRT) systems that operate in mixed traffic environments, where they share road space with cars, bikes, and pedestrians. It highlights that these systems, while beneficial for urban mobility and reducing car dependency, face significant challenges due to collisions, which are often caused by human error, poor visibility, and inadequate infrastructure design. The piece references a study by the Mineta Transportation Institute which found that street-running LRT systems have a higher rate of collisions compared to those with dedicated rights-of-way. The article also mentions specific incidents, like a fatal crash in Charlotte, North Carolina, to underscore the risks. Furthermore, it explores potential solutions like better driver training, improved signaling, and physical barriers to enhance safety, but notes that these measures come with their own set of challenges and costs.

Read the Full smartcitiesdive Article at [ https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/streetcars-light-rail-transit-street-running-collisions/734091/ ]