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<br />With the potentially lower cost to implement commuter rail, and the fact that it does penetrate <br />the northern edge of the downtown area near the Target Center and Warehouse District, and <br />other activity centers, it is an appropriate option for further study. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. Diesel Multiple Unit <br /> <br />A diesel multiple unit (DMU) is a self-propelled passenger rail car operating on standard <br />railroad tracks. DMU trains are a subtype of commuter rail which is more suitable to lower <br />passenger demand on lightly-used freight railroad lines. As with standard commuter rail, <br />DMU service would operate on existing tracks and no electrification would be required. <br />Service could be implemented within a short time frame. <br /> <br />DMU alignment and operating flexibility would be comparable to that for standard <br />commuter rail. The vehicles are large and have limited flexibility in turns and therefore do <br />not fit well within an urban streetscape, particularly in a downtown area. Station spacing <br />of one mile or more is preferable, since vehicle acceleration is less than that for other rail <br />modes. Although a single vehicle or linked pair could be operated, these vehicles do not <br />currently meet Federal Railroad Administration standards for operation mixed with <br />standard freight trains. <br /> <br />DMU service presents a short-term solution to demonstrated passenger demand in a less <br />freight rail dominated corridor. DMU service does not appear to be a feasible option <br />based on current regulations and heavy freight use in this corridor. . <br /> <br />f. Monorail <br /> <br />A monorail system operates along an elevated guideway which is often automated (driverless). <br />It is typically quiet and can use air space for its right-of-way. Vehicles operating singly or in <br />trains operate quietly and no overhead wires are required. <br />--- <br /> <br />Monorail technology is not flexible due to its fixed, grade-separated guideway. Station costs <br />are higher than for at-grade rail and switching with the guidebeam is more complicated than <br />with conventional rail track. The switch issue has tended to relegate monorail to shuttle or loop <br />service within an activity center and limited its use for line-haul transit. An elevated monorail <br />guideway could be extended along roadways or other rights-of-way; but this may be considered <br />visually intrusive. <br /> <br />Considering technical issues related to switching, the requirement of grade separation and the <br />resulting high cost, monorail is not recommended for further study. <br /> <br />g. Automated Guideway Transit <br /> <br />Automated guideway transit (AGT) provides a medium capacity, fully automated driverless, <br />technology that may be more appropriate than heavy rail in some cities (Vancouver, Toronto). <br />Alternatively, AGT may be used as a special use shuttle in CBD's, airports or amusement parks . <br /> <br />Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study <br />Conceptual Definition of Alternatives <br />February 1999 <br /> <br />III-I 2 <br />