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<br />. <br /> <br />Considering passenger capacity flexibility and cost, this technology should be considered <br />further as a rail option as part of a regional LRT system in the Twin Cities metropolitan <br />area. An LRT system is not appropriate for the entire Northstar Corridor, however it could be <br />appropriate as a complementary part of an overall transportation solution. <br /> <br />d. Heavy Rail <br /> <br />Heavy rail transit also operates in a fixed guideway but requires electrification in the guidewa) , <br />thus requiring complete grade separation. Because heavy rail transit can transport high <br />numbers of passengers per hour at a high average speed, it typically operates in dense urban <br />areas. Operations can be very reliable because of complete grade separation. The capital cost <br />per mile for heavy rail construction is usually very high. <br /> <br />Heavy rail routes are inflexible due to their fixed, exclusive and fully grade separated <br />guideway. Alignment changes can be costly unless implemented in already grade separated <br />right-of-way. Stations must have high platforms and be grade separated from cross streets and <br />pedestrian walkways. These requirements lead to high cost stations which must have ramps <br />or elevators. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Considering the issues regarding heavy rail transit operations in the Northstar Corridor and the <br />typical passenger demand required for a heavy rail route, this technology is not recommended <br />for the study corridor. <br /> <br />e. Commuter Rail <br /> <br />Commuter rail passenger service is generally defined as passenger train service that operates <br />on existing freight railroad tracks. Commuter rail service primarily operates during "peak" <br />travel times, usually the hours of 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. <br />Trains run inbound to the city center in the morning and outbound to suburban or rural areas <br />in the evening. Commuter rail can also accommodate reverse commuters (passengers traveling <br />to suburban areas for work) and other travel times, such as midday, evening and weekend <br />hours. Most commuter rail systems are integrated with other transit services, such as bus and <br />LRT systems, to encourage transfers throughout the region. <br /> <br />Passenger capacity, speed and access to central cities are the primary advantages of commuter <br />rail. Trains can comfortably accommodate a large number of seated passengers over a long <br />distance. Service can be implemented at a relatively low cost and within a short timeframe, <br />depending on required track, signaling, and station.improvements. Commuter rail is often ill- <br />suited to serve areas where closer station spacing is required. The slower acceleration rate of <br />commuter rail vehicles as compared to heavy or light rail vehicles is mitigated by wider station <br />spacing which allows faster travel times. Convenient walk access for passengers is diminished <br />by wider station spacing, but park and ride lots at stations typically provide good auto access <br />for a significant percentage of riders. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study <br />Conceptual Definition of Alternatives <br />February 1999 <br /> <br />III-II <br />