United States Department of Transportation
i
Rail Capacity Improvement Study for Commuter Operations
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2012-11-01
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[PDF-12.22 MB]
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Abstract:The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) notes that over the last decade, commuter rail systems have experienced increased ridership that closely matches the increases in gasoline prices. FTA also identified highway congestion and environmental concerns as other factors that have helped to boost ridership. As a result of these and other factors, some major commuter rail systems have reached or are approaching capacity. FTA has expressed concerns that commuter rail systems would not be capable of fully handling the resulting increase in ridership demand. This study offers a combination of considerations and evaluation tools pertaining to relevant means of capacity improvements (technology, operations, route, and vehicle upgrades), both conventional and emerging. Guidance regarding the economics is offered to help balance the mix to minimize cost of achieving the level of capacity improvement required. The report describes principles and concepts related to capacity for commuter rail operations. Topics include track and station configuration, rolling stock, train operations, and signal issues. Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) identifies promising potential improvements and additions to infrastructure to increase capacity (emphasizing cost-effective technology solutions). Discussion is provided on investment planning to increase commuter rail system capacity by making the various improvements noted. The study also discusses the benefits, effectiveness, and life cycle costs of the various solutions. To illustrate these principles, TTCI has evaluated various aspects of the present capacity limitations versus ridership for a large commuter rail system in the United States to determine capacity constraints and to identify areas where improved capacity might be needed. Two sections present an overview and selected case studies of the Metrolink system operating in the Los Angeles regional area with analysis of various capacity issues. In each case study, different aspects of commuter rail capacity are examined. In some cases, suggestions are offered where improvements could be made that would increase system reliability.
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