A comprehensive description of the factors that determine rail transit capacity is provided along with easy-to-use procedures for estimating practical achievable rail transit capacity under a variety of conditions, calibrated with extensive, current, North American field data. The procedures are provided in two forms: a simple method of estimation in which rail capacity for typical or average conditions can be read from a graph based on train length and type of signal system and a more comprehensive method that allows for user control over additional variables. To assist in the more comprehensive method, a computer spreadsheet tool was developed. Examples of applications for the rail transit capacity information include analyzing project planning and operations for new starts and extensions; evaluating transit line performance; establishing and updating service standards; assessing the capacities of new signaling and control technologies; and estimating changes in system capacity and operations for environmental impact assessments and land-use variations.
Over the past several decades, many developments have taken place that directly affect North American rail transit performance, vehicles, operations, and system technologies. Such developments include the extension and modernization of rapid rail transit and commuter rail systems; the introduction of proof-of-payment fare systems; the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the construction of new light rail transit, automated guideway transit, heavy rail transit, and commuter rail systems. Consequently, data and procedures related to estimating rail transit capacity need updating to take into account these recent developments.
Research was undertaken by Transport Consulting Limited to (1) obtain current information on rail transit capacity, including (a) factors affecting capacity, (b) current values for parameters affecting capacity under a range of operating conditions, and (c) current values for maximum passenger and vehicle capacities achieved under various operating practices and loading standards; and (2) provide appropriate methodologies for estimating the capacity of future rail transit systems and modifications to existing systems. The scope included investigation, evaluation, and documentation of current North American experience in rail transit capacity for light rail transit, rapid rail transit, commuter rail, and automated guideway transit. To accomplish this effort, the researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of existing literature on rail transit capacity experience and capacity analysis methodologies. In addition, a survey of 63 rail transit operators in the United States, Canada, and Mexico was performed to determine actual line-by-line capacity and capacity constraints of each system. Extensive field surveys were also conducted to determine passenger boarding rates and dwell times for different rail transit modes, platform heights, and fare collection methods. Quantitative analyses then produced easy-to-use procedures for estimating achievable rail transit capacity.
The results have been published as
TCRP Report No. 13, "Rail Transit Capacity." In addition, the computer spreadsheet tool developed to assist in the comprehensive method of estimating rail transit capacity is available on disk or through the Internet World Wide Web from the American Public Transportation Association (
https://www.apta.com/tcrp).
TCRP Report No. 13 is also available in portable document format (PDF). (A free copy of Adobe Acrobat reader is available at
www.adobe.com.) Double-click on the files below to access the report.
Front Matter (includes Summary and User Guide); Chapter 1: Rail Transit in North America; Chapter 2: Capacity Basics
Chapter 3: Train Control and Signaling; Chapter 4: Station Dwells; Chapter 5: Passenger Loading Levels
Chapter 6: Operating Issues; Chapter 7: Grade Separated Rail Capacity Determination; Chapter 8: Light Rail Capacity Determination; Chapter 9: Commuter Rail Capacity Determination
Chapter 10: Automated Guideway Transit Capacity Determination; Chapter 11: Future Research; Bibliography & References; Glossary
Appendix 1: Review of North American Rail Transit Capacity Analysis Methodologies; Appendix 2: Rail Transit Survey
Appendix 3: Data Tabulations
