What actually is the definition of Light Rail a k a Light Rapid Transit a k a Light Rail Transit?
Light rail transit (LRT) is a form of passenger urban rail transit characterized by a combination of tram and metro features. While its rolling stock is more similar to a traditional tram, it operates at a higher capacity and speed, and often on an exclusive right-of-way.
There is no standard definition, but in the United States (where the terminology was devised in the 1970s from the engineering term light railway), light rail operates primarily along exclusive rights-of-way and uses either individual tramcars or multiple units coupled to form a train that is lower capacity and lower speed than a long heavy-rail passenger train or metro system.
A few light rail networks tend to have characteristics closer to rapid transit or even commuter rail; some of these heavier rapid transit-like systems are referred to as light metros.
It seems that to be Light, it needs to be operated by light-weight vehicles i.e. modern trams which may run in multiples.
Not too far from the southern terminus of our perplexing friend Taipei route 837, you will find the RED line of the Metro. One stop short of its northern terminus the 837 calls at Honshulin Metro Station ...
... and a very fine station it is, too.
Just a pace or two north of the above you will find a less inspiring street level stairway ...
... to the southern terminus of the Danhai light rail line. (Of course, the platforms are fully integrated at the overhead level.) And this is Light rail!
With very heavy infrastructure!
For most of its route it is on elevated track, much of it through countryside devoid of the high rise housing that is pretty much standard in residential Taipei.
Five segment trams operate the line ...
... and they do descend to ground level at its northern extremity. Extensions are already underway and one section will wend its way back along the coast ...
... to Tamsui, terminus of the RED metro. Here is the junction at Binhai Shalun ...
... which is, obviously, at ground level.
The first extension chunk, to Fisherman's wharf, also includes some hefty engineering, namely a bridge ...
... followed by a chunky viaduct.
But bigger - much much bigger - is to come!
Under construction at the moment is a brand new bridge across the Tamsui River ...
Under construction at the moment is a brand new bridge across the Tamsui River ...
... to Bali District - iwhich will include provision for light tail tracks.
The bridge is due for completion in 2026 - but plans for the heavy LRT extension have not yet been made public.
An Old Friend In A Strange Place
FDL 631V is ex Southern Vectis where it did stalwart service in a whole range of liveries. Starting in National Bus green ...
... it received the first "privatisation livery" which was quite seemly.
Then came the second privatisation colour scheme. somewhat more outré ...
... before having its roof removed for open-top service.
It was used by the independent Village Bus company ...
... which did not serve any villages. It took its name from the tourist hotspor Shanklin Old Village ...
... through which it didn't quite pass on the circular service 44. descendant of the historic route from bus station to Shanklin Esplanade. This route was home to Shanklins Pony ...
... and the Shanklin Steamer
The VR acquired its weirdest livery ...
... when Vectis decided to promote all its open top services as a unified brand; complete with drivers adored in bright orange sweatshirts. Did they ever wear the baseball caps?
Its livery at Tebay represents a sad comedown for a much admired and respected bus.
The Great Carriage Shed Rebuild.
The Great Carriage Shed Rebuild.
The new wall is taking shape and has been "posed" against thee crumbling remains of the old for comparison purposes.
And here is the original, pre-collapse.
And, yes, the stonework is much smaller brought about by on-line availability considerations.
Leicester Brands
First Bus in Leicester has tended to standardise on pink slash fronts ...
... mostly with a route number, but sometimes not.
A while back a brand for the Braunstone services appeared ...
... but still a little "ordinary"; purple for service 18 - light brown on the map.
Recent repaints have been in a lively yellow with flower ...
... for the green bus routes on the map.
But the 88s do run via Saffron Lane ...
... hence the yellow colour and the flower ...
... which is blue.
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson (crimson? or deep orange?) stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Saffron has long been the world's most costly spice by weight.
The colour produced by saffron is a rich yellow - just like the bus!
And a bowl of rice.
Leicester Brands
First Bus in Leicester has tended to standardise on pink slash fronts ...
A while back a brand for the Braunstone services appeared ...
But the 88s do run via Saffron Lane ...
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson (crimson? or deep orange?) stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Saffron has long been the world's most costly spice by weight.
The colour produced by saffron is a rich yellow - just like the bus!
Taipei More (Is That Four) and other stuff : Sunday 19th July
Extensive interesting feature of SV IoW services in new BUSES mag.
ReplyDeleteAnd last month's was local to FBB all about West Country subjects including Cornwall developments & Plymouth etc
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