Light railway is an attractive alternative to rising fuel costs As cities and municipalities look harder to find more fuel efficient forms of public transportation, they need to employ green technologies. One alternative is to develop and find light railway systems. Light railway refers to trams, streetcars, trolleys and other rail systems that are limited to one or a few cars, traverse either on separate high-speed rails or down the middle of existing streets.

If your city or municipality is looking for efficient ways of moving thousands of passengers on a daily basis to relieve traffic congestion and gridlock, as well as ways to improve air quality and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, begin gathering light railway information by investigating light railway lists and examining the experience of light railway providers.

1. Look for designers to plan, create or improve you light railway system.

2. Chose a construction company to build or add to your light railway system.

3. Find and purchase materials for your light railway.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find light railway designers

Locating and hiring an experienced design firm is crucial to the success of the project. Look for a design firm with experience designing light railways and urban environments.

I recommend: Rail Transit Consultants has over 20 years experience consulting and designing light railway systems in cities all over the world. Their resume includes the MBTA in Boston, New Jersey, Cleveland, Atlanta, Dallas and Cairo, Egypt. LTK Engineering Services have been instrumental in projects in New York City, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle.

Hire a construction company with experience building light railway systems

Interview several construction companies to find a company with experience building light railways and working in urban street environments. The extra time taken here can save time, money and headaches later. Check a light railway list of providers of these services.

I recommend: Delta Railroad Construction has experience building light railway lines across the U.S., including Cleveland, Houston, Atlanta, Maryland, Washington and Memphis. Atkinson Construction is a good contact for building underground transit facilities.

Purchase the materials you need from your light railway provider

There are several choices for the purchase of equipment and materials for light railways in the U.S. and overseas.

I recommend: United Streetcar, a subsidiary of Oregon Ironworks, builds highly durable rolling stock for light railways. United Streetcar is the only American manufacturer of streetcars. Massachusetts Electric Construction Company is a good contact for equipment and materials including: signals, overhead contact systems, traction power and communications systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Light railway information and light railway provider lists cover every aspect of light railway systems to help you make important decisions. You can find every item you on these lists, from special lighting to nuts and bolts. Research your options before you finalize the project.