Traffic Density Data For N. American & European LRT Systems

Tables and figures that compare tramways, light railways, and light rail systems in the U.S., Canada, Westerno Europe, and Australia in terms of annual traffic density.

1 minute read

March 29, 2004, 10:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"...No clear-cut distinctions can be made among “tramway,” “light railway,” “light rail transit” and “other railways.” This is true in particular of Switzerland (and also of Japan). No such distinctions can be applied uniformly to different countries. The authors chose to present all available data rather than attempt arbitrary classifications. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District line between Chicago and South Bend, the “South Shore Line,” has few remaining “light rail” characteristics. However, the authors chose to include it for its history as the “last surviving U.S. interurban.”"Ironically, most of the light railway systems with the lowest relative traffic densities are in Switzerland, a nation considered to have the best, and most successful, public transit network in the Western world (e.g., excluding Asia, former Communist countries, and the "Third World"). An additional irony is that most Swiss light railways have far better farebox cost recovery--in the range of 80%-100%--than almost all other North American or other European tramway, light rail, and light railway systems with much higher traffic densities."

Thanks to Michael D. Setty

Friday, March 26, 2004 in Public Transit

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Bike Commute

The Rippling Effects of Bike-to-Work Subsidies

A European movement to incentivize people to commute by bicycle is changing travel patterns and making mobility more sustainable.

May 7 - Momentum Magazine

Senior couple driving car.

Preparing Transportation Systems for the ‘Silver Tsunami’

More Americans than ever will age beyond their safe ability to drive. How will they meet their mobility needs in a car-centric society?

May 7 - Streetsblog USA

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7 - Inc.

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)