Automotive and Transportation Automotive and Transportation
Wed, November 27, 2024
[ Wed, Nov 27th 2024 ] - Terrence Williams
Bua back after six years
[ Wed, Nov 27th 2024 ] - Terrence Williams
A perfect start for Slot
[ Wed, Nov 27th 2024 ] - Michael Jones
Things To Do
[ Wed, Nov 27th 2024 ] - Bill Williamson
MSU names new finance chief
[ Wed, Nov 27th 2024 ] - Phil Bruner
Donald Trump

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


Published on 2024-11-27 17:42:19 - Aaron Neefham, N@N
  Print publication without navigation

  • With 117 deaths attributed to such vehicles from 2015 to 2023, the Federal Transit Administration is asking state and transit officials to work to reduce collisions.

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/ ]