Exploring Light Rapid Transit (LRT) - the ticket to sustainable transport

Posted September 2009

Transport infrastructure projects continue to be strong performers in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the US, as the global recession continues to bite.

In the UK and Ireland, growing interest in the viability of Light Rapid Transit (LRT) follows its widespread success in Europe and in many cities worldwide.

LRT brings significant commercial and environmental benefits, but requires a substantial capital investment.

The challenges

Key challenges include the complex and costly planning and approval processes, and the need to secure partnerships with third-party organisations.

Transport projects typically have long lead times with timescales and costs often over-optimistic.

A lack of standardisation in systems design is also a fundamental barrier, although there are lessons to be learned from Europe, where operators have the advantage of higher volume, greater experience and consistent sustained investment.

Over the last few years a range of procurement models have been promoted by LRT projects. From a cost management perspective, the issues include the need to minimise ‘at risk' expenditure on specialist technical studies, land acquisition and procurement prior to obtaining authorisation to construct and operate.

Projects can only achieve eligibility for funding approval through economic evaluation within realistic capital investment needs and forecast revenue returns.

Funding methods and related procurement strategies are becoming increasingly complex, and projects often demonstrate a tendency for scope creep due to a lack of robustness in the design brief. The practical achievement of system features extra to those required to ensure statutory approvals, further increases costs. Whole life costs are also important however, as although the initial investment is high, LRT whole life costs show good value.

In the US, transportation infrastructure development is viewed as a significant component of Obama's economic stimulus plan. However, mass transit has been awarded only 1% of the entire stimulus package.

In the UAE, the first of several major metro projects in Dubai are coming to fruition, with the proving trials on the Red Line underway.

In Ireland several metro and tram schemes are being developed to approvals stage, for remobilisation when the signs of recovery appear.

How we can help

Faithful+Gould has extensive global rail experience, reinforced by strong links with our parent company Atkins.

We have recently secured several major LRT commissions including the Metro West project in Dublin.