What will run on the rails? Part III

By Mark Forsythe The Kansas City Post A growing trend in North America is the use of self-propelled light railway cars. Similar in size and scale to electric light rail vehicles (LRVs), these trains are powered by internal combustion engines rather than external electric power lines. New Jersey Transit's RiverLine light railway, connecting Camden and Trenton, was the first such venture in the United States. San Diego's North County Transit District has a 22-mile route (called the Sprinter) under construction, and Austin, Texas has launched its own 32-mile light railway project (called Capital MetroRail). Harrisburg (Pa) is planning a similar fuel-powered light railway; others are under consideration in Madison (Wi) and Spokane. Advantages: - Self-propelled. No need for catenaries or ground-level power supplies. The overall cost of such a system would be less than half of a traditional light rail configuration. - Low-floor, articulated diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail cars look and function like traditional LRVs. They are modern, ADA compliant and the Austin vehicles will even feature free Wi-Fi. - Proven technology. Diesel engines are similar to those which power a standard bus. - Combines dedicated LRT median running and streetcar-like operation in mixed traffic. - Platform could be easily modified to a diesel-electric hybrid configuration. As new technology becomes available (hydrogen fuel cells, super capacitors) these vehicles could be retrofitted to accommodate them. - Several manufacturers and communities have experience with this type of vehicle. Disadvantages: - Not really intended for full-time duty as a streetcar. More of a short distance commuter rail vehicle. - Current diesel engine configurations are slightly louder than a bus (I've seen and heard one in London's Paddington Station). - Still heavy enough to require significant track infrastructure for weight bearing issues. - It's essentially a scaled-down commuter train which may meet with resistance from the public. Conclusion: If a configuration of a very small compressed natural gas (CNG) engine and lithium ion battery banks could be installed, this could be the most viable option for Kansas City. A plug-in hybrid configuration in this type of vehicle would provide the necessary elements of minimal noise and pollution as well as ease of maintenance. I feel using a self-propelled configuration is necessary to allow Kansas City to move forward on laying track without the constraints of "new ground-level power supply technology" or overhead catenaries. The technology exists, it just hasn't been requested of the manufacturers yet. Tommorow's option is my final(?) installment. I'll also be introducing a new term to Kansas City's discussion of LRT, LRV, BRT etc.