What elements make the light rail system less expensive than a heavy rail system?

Question

What elements make the light rail system less expensive than a heavy rail system?

Answer 1

The word "light" says a lot here.

Freight railroads are heavy haul folks.  This means that the railroad roadbed takes a tremendous beating, also meaning it needs constant maintenance, which is the next highest dent in the operating ratio outside of fuel and running maintenance expenses.  These are not the problems faced by light rail, or any other transportation system, for that matter, as the trucks are subsidized by public roadway infrastructure maintenance with our tax dollars hard at work, which leaves the skies and the oceans free.

Likewise, light rail rolling stock is, well, light, and therefore carries a lower price tag than the equipment designed for moving many thousands of tons at a whack.

Ditto for the rail itself.  With a lighter gauge (heavy haul rail is usually 139 lbs per yard), the costs here are commensurately less.

In addition, light rail lines do not move people (or freight) thousands of miles, either.  Further cost savings here.

Ditto for associated fuel and/or power costs.

It is usually the case the users of light rail are a captive audience, with this often being the only alternative to transportation by personal auto.  Ridership is "built in."  Little or no advertising costs.

All of which means, fewer personnel on the payroll, lower administrative costs, etc.  I'm sure the list is lengthy.

As far as construction costs, above ground light rail new construction can, and usually is done, right down the middle of an existing paved roadway.  No grading, no bridges to build when using existing ifrastructure right of way. Here, construction costs are fewer, as well as the associated costs of enacting the vaunted "Emminent Domain."  Less property to have to purchase, even though stealing it.

There are probably more benefits as well, when considering things like passenger miles per unit of energy expended.  Here again, light rail lines are usually electric, so the air quality will benefit as well.

I maintain that long distance train travel is still not practical for the majority, so whatever dollars are available for expansion and upgrading existing light rail lines or construction of new ones, the commute corridors are vital, and need those dollars.

Appropriations are what the Fat Cats in DC are all about, so get those letters and emails goin'...