Why LRT now?

Discusses the underlying reasons for current UK interest in light rapid transit (LRT). LRT represents a technology which is highly relevant to key current urban problems. It can and should provide a means of improving public transport to revive old urban areas and sustain the growth and vitality of booming city centres. However, implementation of an LRT project is fraught with difficulty, and requires a consistent and long-sighted sense of purpose that is difficult to achieve. Thus it is possible that many schemes will not come to fruition, irrespective of the underlying soundness of their rationale. Street running is an essential component of many of the current schemes and will prove equally vital in securing finance. Imaginative ideas and delicate judgement will be necessary to secure the best possible deal for the LRT passenger and other highway users