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<br />Electric Trollev Bus <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Electric trolley buses are a subtype of a standard bus. This technology was originally <br />implemented as an alternative to the streetcar. The electric trolley bus should not be confused <br />with actual or replicas of vintage streetcars, which are commonly referred to as "Trolleys." <br /> <br />Electric trolley buses receive power from an overhead wire. These buses are distinguished <br />from other buses by electric propulsion only, otherwise they are identical in size to diesel buses <br />and can operate in the same environments, provided that the overhead power source is <br />available. Electric trolley buses are appropriate for hilly terrain since they can efficiently <br />negotiate steep grades, and for very busy routes characterized by short headways. While once <br />common in many cities, few systems or routes remain (e.g., Seattle, San Francisco, Boston). <br /> <br />b. Bus Rapid Transit <br /> <br />Conventional bus rapid transit comprises buses operating on an exclusive roadway, or busway, <br />that is access controlled. Busways which provide a very high level of service and allow high <br />hourly passenger capacities are typically grade separated from cross streets (Ottawa, <br />Pittsburgh). Low volume busways often are characterized by at-grade intersections with cross <br />streets (Seattle, University of Minnesota Busway). Stops along the busway are made only at <br />stations, which are typically spaced every one-half to one mile. Buses may operate non-stop <br />along the busway or make selected stops based on passenger demand. Buses may also exit the <br />busway and operate along streets to provide local area circulation and distribution. <br />Additionally, bus rapid transit vehicles can be used on high-occupancy vehicle facilities. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Guided Bus <br /> <br />The guided bus technology is a subtype of bus rapid transit and consists of a specialized fixed <br />guideway and fleet of vehicles retrofitted with lateral guide wheels. This technology can be <br />adapted to any bus size and propulsion type. Since the guideway can be more narrow than the <br />lane width required for manual operation, it can be implemented within rail rights-of-way. The <br />guideway requires that this technology be grade separated from cross streets. <br /> <br />c. Light Rail Transit (LRT) <br /> <br />Light rail transit is a primarily at-grade rail mode with electrically powered vehicles receiving <br />current from an overhead wire. LRT operates primarily in an exclusive right-of-way; it can also <br />operate with other traffic along existing roadways. A light rail alignment may also be grade <br />separated, either in tunnel or elevated. Station spacing can be as close as one-quarter mile in <br />activity centers, but typically ranges between one-half to one mile in other areas. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study <br />Conceptual Definition of Alternatives <br />February 1999 <br /> <br />III-4 <br />