ENERGY COST CONSIDERATIONS IN LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE SIZE SPECIFICATION.

This paper encourages the consideration of vehicle energy consumption in the specification of light rail vehicle size. Although the prospect of uneconomic operation of large light rail vehicles has been acknowledged in previous writings, this paper documents the situation in Cleveland and postulates a scenario that could provide some advantages. In a more general sense it is hoped that this discussion and the empirical evidence it draws on will create a better understanding of the energy use levels and cost associated with light rail operation. The ability to economize on power bills is premised on the ability to provide more energy efficient vehicle design or to provide adequate service capacities with a smaller, more efficient vehicle. The prospects of a smaller vehicle size providing operating economies will be reviewed.