This is the third report of a TRL study of urban rapid transit systems in other countries. In this report, the actual capital costs, operating costs and patronage levels of a number of existing rapid transit systems are compared with forecasts made when the systems were planned and grants were being sought. The report draws on information obtained during a TRL study tour of rapid transit systems and on other published material. It summarises a study of ten US rapid transit systems, and also includes 3 case studies (Grenoble, San Diego and Tyne and Wear). The report concludes that on the whole, the rapid transit systems studied cost more than forecast and carry fewer passengers. Of the systems studied only one system was constructed for less than its forecast cost and only two carried the forecast number of passengers or more. The report discusses some possible reasons for these discrepancies and how forecasts might be improved. (A)
Abstract